CYCLIST COLLECTING MONEY FOR MS RAISES GOAL TO $50,000

A man in a Spiderman jersey atop a red mountain bike has pedaled into Cape Girardeau again.

After 36 trips across the United States, Thomas Beasley is back.

On Jan. 1, 1991, the 29-year-old departed from Anaheim, Calif., on a mission. He wanted to raise $30,000 for multiple sclerosis. Now, $29,555 later, he has decided to increase his goal to $50,000 and continue the trek.

Biking across country has allowed him to accomplish two things.

"I am training to be a professional bike racer, and this way I can still raise money to help sick people feel a little bit better," he said.

Beasley was introduced to multiple sclerosis when his friend died from the disease. Then one day he saw what the disease does to the human body.

He saw a woman sitting down by a pool. She looked fine to him, he thought. But when the woman tried to get up, her husband had to give her a hand.

"My purpose is to get the word out that there is a disease out there besides muscular dystrophy, perhaps worse and even deadlier," he said. "This disease eats the lining of the nerves and can paralyze people, destroy their immune systems, leave them blind or unable to speak."

Between now and Friday, Beasley will go from business to business to raise money for his cause. He hopes Cape Girardeau businesses will contribute at least $500.

Whenever Beasley travels through an area with a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Gateway Area Chapter, he turns in whatever money he has raised since his last drop-off.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in St. Louis said Beasley has donated money to its area chapter twice, once in 1995 and again in June of this year.

In 1995, he turned in more than $1,000 and another $1,295 in 1997.

The money he raises purchases wheelchairs and beds for victims of multiple sclerosis who are in the late stages of the disease and can't get around by themselves.

Contributions can be made by calling Holiday Inn Room 109 today through Friday. If Beasley is not there, leave a message.