Chronicles of One Feisty Devil

Thank you!

2009-03-09T22:37:00.003-05:00

I've been behind on my Thank You notes (emails) to our awesome friends & supporters and just finished catching up. Thank you to everyone who donated online to our fundraising efforts this year and I'm at 20% of my $5000 goal.

If you can find it in your 2009 charitable plans, please donate today at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/mattnoe Please donate any amount you feel comfortable with and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

In other news, I found this awesome iPhone app that tracks my rides and allows me to keep dibs on my training. It even allows me to take pics along the ride and I definitely plan to document my training and the MS150 weekend. Check out my first ride using the app... http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=143590

It's a numbers game

2009-03-02T22:38:00.004-06:00

So I've been behind on updating the blog but it's only because I've been training so hard. Well, not exactly but I have been busy. With that, I'll share a few key stats for today:

60 days until we ride
150 miles over the course of
2 days where
$0.83 of every
$1.00 go to fund research benefiting
400,000 Americans and
2,500,000 individuals worldwide,
2 of which are my favorite ladies...
1 incredible mother to me and
1 amazing wife and mother to our
2 beautiful children.

Donate today on my personal fundraising page @ http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/mattnoe

Thank you,
Matt

Let the fun begin !!!

2009-02-18T10:33:00.004-06:00

MS(ucks)!

It's that time of year again! Time for me to dust off my riding legs and mount up for my fifth MS150. In years past, I prepare for this adventure to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) that affects millions of people worldwide, including my wonderful mom Valorie Noe. She's been a rock throughout my life and this is the best way I know how to help find a cure for a frustrating and disabling disease.

Well, my passion for fundraising and first-hand knowledge of this frustrating and relentless disease grew ten fold over the past ten months. Approximately five days after last year’s ride, my wife Andrea was diagnosed with MS. Man, life is full of surprises and this was a blindside if I’ve ever seen one.

The road leading up to the diagnosis was a rocky one. Shortly after giving birth to our second son Carson, Andrea began having trouble walking, specifically issues with her left leg dragging when she got tired or too hot. After months of numerous MRIs, tests, physical therapy and doctor’s visits, we were almost relieved to have a name for her symptoms.

We’re coming up on the one-year anniversary and thanks to the drugs and wonderful doctors, Andrea is doing much better. For the most part, her symptoms do not stop her from being an incredible mother to our two wild-and-crazy boys, amazing wife to a well-intentioned husband, wonderful teacher to her pre-schoolers, and thoughtful friend to her tight-nit circle of girlfriends. She is a rock and source of inspiration to all of the above and many more but especially to me.

So that brings us to how we can make a different together. The MS150 – a two day, 150 mile bike ride – raises awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. As I've expressed before, it's an incredible event that's filled with hills, thrills and great times. As always, I'm riding with the Feisty Devils, the largest friends and family team in the nation. Lead by some of the most amazing and inspiring leaders I know, we have raised over $1,000,000 and counting for MS research. But we need your help in continuing the fight against MS by supporting events like the MS150 which funds newer & better drugs.

So here are three easy ways to donate:

1. Donate online via the MS Society's secure website. Go to http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/mattnoe ) to donate using any credit or debit card directly to my fundraising efforts.

2. Make a check for any amount to the "MS Society" and send it to my home address:
Matt & Andrea Noe
11817 Vienna Apple Rd.
Keller, TX 76248

3. Save a stamp and find me. I can be found at imc2 M-F, Grapevine Church of Christ most Sunday's and Wednesday's (barring the sick kiddo, of course), or at the above home address at all times in between. Feel free to call me (817-239-9355 cell) to schedule an in-person pick up because if that's what it takes, I'll be there.

That being said, I appreciate your past participation and hope that you can find it in your charitable plans to support my ride/efforts in 2009.

If you want to keep up with my Road to the MS150, please free to check out any of the sources below for updates on my fundraising efforts, photos & videos, daily happenings, or just a quick thought of the day.

Join our Facebook group (http://tinyurl.com/cjclyb)
Follow me on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/busternoe )
Email me (noewonder@gmail.com)

Thank you for your time and participation.

Here's to riding & raising $$$'s like hell,
Matt "Buster" Noe

Coming Soon | Updates galore

2009-02-17T22:55:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the silence over the past year. I've been extremely busy but that's no excuse. Considering the crazy year I've had since last year's ride, I'm incredibly motivated to take what I've learned about digital marketing and social media and marry that with my passion for this great cause.

Stay tuned for updates to this page and more. Here's a bit of what you can expect in the coming days, weeks and months:

A dedicated Facebook group to tap into my network to help meet my fundraising & awareness goals. If you're on Facebook, please join the cause (http://tinyurl.com/cjclyb)
Twitter updates with info on the daily regiment & updates around my preparation for the 2009 ride in May. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/busternoe)
Daily updates to this blog with thoughts of the day, pics, fundraising updates, etc to keep you coming back for more.
And much more...

Until then, take care and please support me in this years ride if at all possible. Visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/mattnoe to submit your donation or mail it directly to me at my home address below. Please make your checks payable to "National MS Society."

Matt & Andrea Noe
11817 Vienna Apple Rd
Keller, TX 76248

some pics from the 2007 MS150

2007-05-14T14:05:00.001-05:00

Accepting my Returning Rider of the Year award and telling my reasons for riding.

Me and my better half at the Feisty Devils team dinner the night before the ride.

With the family at the start line. My mom is signing one of the Pedal Partner bandanas.

There is no better feeling than completing this ride. This year's was rough but well worth it!

Fundraising Update

2007-05-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you, I've exceeded my fundraising goals for 2007!!!! I am so moved by the overwhelming response from our friends and family. You rock. From my family to you, THANK YOU!

GRAND TOTAL = $2880

Another GREAT year!!!

2007-05-09T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, the 2007 MS150 is now behind me and I can say that I'm torn between feeling glad that I'm not still on the bike and a little sad that it's all over with.

The second day of riding (Sunday) was even more challenging than the first. You can only imagine how difficult it is to hop on the seat for another 75 mile day. On top of that it was hilly and windy to boot! It was a great challenge and I'm glad to have finished another year. If this thing wasn't challenging it wouldn't be right. MS offers no guarantees of consecutive "good" days nor does it promise to be easy to deal with. I don't pretend to empathize with my mom or others like her b/c in the end I recover and go back to life as I know it.

In addition to my own fundraising efforts, I also worked with our "Culture Club" here at imc2, a panel of individuals charged with keeping the culture here at imc2 fun and lively. We hosted several very successful fundraising events. We definitely put the FUN in fundraiser! One event we hosted was a Cinco de Mayo party where for a minimum donation of $20 you got all-you-can-eat fajitas and bottomless margaritas y cervesas plus 10 raffle tickets for great prizes. We raised approx. $2000 to donate to the MS Society which was a major accomplishment for our first time out!

We had a great time and actual won some awards for our efforts. At the team dinner Friday night, our Culture Club MS150 team won two awards. We won an award for "Most Creative Fundraiser 2007" for our Cinco de Mayo party and our smaller fundraising events. We also won "The Heart of the Team 2007" award for representing the passion and drive associated with the Feisty Devils. Not to toot my own horn but I was flattered and honored to win "Returning Team Member of the Year 2007." I was surprised and very proud to receive this award because I only do what I do because I'm so enthusiastic and passionate about the cause. In receiving this award, it confirms that I'm doing the things that bring awareness to devastating effects of MS and hopefully change the lives of current and future MS patients.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I invite anyone to join us for next year's ride. There are so many people that set personal goals for the ride. One new teammate set out to make it to lunch both days, approx. 45 miles each day, and ended up making it to a rest stop or two further! That's awesome and is completely inline with the spirit of the ride. If you watch the video linked in an earlier post, you'll see riders of all ages, shapes, sizes, and skill levels. The one common factor is that they put themselves out there and challenge themselves physically and mentally. It's a touching and humbling experience everytime I participate and I can't encourage you enough to try it yourself. Whether you do an MS Walk, MS150 or any challenging charitable event, you'll be forever changed and blessed.

Until next year,
Thank You and take care!

Notes from the road...

2007-05-05T18:51:00.000-05:00

Well, one day and 78 miles down, one day and 75+ to go! As if the MS150 isn't hard enough, it rained right in our faces the last half of the day. Good times! I can say that I'm 100% sure I've been off my bike for about 3 yrs. Holy crap, I'm so sore and it took me too long to finish today. Granted, we were waiting on a straggling friend of a friend but that only explains an hour or so.

Regardless, it was a good time for a great cause and I can only hope that the weather improves tomorrow. I'll make sure to give an update after tomorrow's ride including a summary of the entire weekend.

Thanks again for all your support. FYI - I received another $275 donations while I was riding and for that I'm so thankful.

GRAND TOTAL = $2425

Ask and ye shall receive

2007-05-01T10:09:00.001-05:00

I tried a little different tactic this year in my fundraising. Rather than flat out asking for donations, I tried to ask people to check out this blog hoping they would visit and then donate. Well, we're all busy and this world is cluttered with so much info it makes our brain's hurt. So after a slower fundraising start than in years past, I went ahead and asked for everyone's help. I sent out an email to my friends and family last night and the response has been incredible! In less than 12 hours I've received over $500 bringing the grand total to.....

$2120

Thank you to all who have donated. This is a very special event benefiting a cause near and dear to my heart. It means the world to me that you've added the MS Society to your generous charitable plans for 2007-08. Please let me know if I can ever help you in any way.

The donations pour in...

2007-04-26T15:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all of your amazing support. To date, you have generously donated a grand total of...

$1360

Fundraising explosion!!!

2007-04-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

In just over one week, I've received some incredibly generous and much appreciated donations from many friends and family members. To date I've raised....[drum roll].......

$1045

Thank you to all of you who have donated. If you have not donated but are interested, please know that any and every amount is appreciated. I've received donations from $10 - $200 so far and I am thankful for each and every one.

Fundraising Update

2007-04-20T07:54:00.000-05:00

If you're reading this blog it's probably because you were directed here from a flyer, email, or Andrea's blog. Every year I send out a custom designed flyer to various family and friends as well as the same content in an email. I'll see if I can get the flyer up here on the site for all to see.

Well, I mailed those out late last week and have already received incredible feedback. In addition to great notes and emails wishing me luck, we've received $815 in donations!!! That's $815 in less than a week towards my goal of $2500! I can't wait to check my email and postal mail everyday b/c there's been some sort of donation and letter.

For all of you who have donated, THANK YOU so very much. I hope that this blog has given you some insight as to how important this cause is to my family and I. You're donation goes a long way to helping researchers find an end to this awful and frustrating disease! Thank you.

Keep checking back for fundraising & training updates. I couldn't find a good graphic outside of the generic thermometer so if you know of one please send me the info. Thanks.

e-Donated link repaired

2007-04-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

If you tried to donated online yesterday (4/17) the site was down. It's now been repaired and operators are standing by to take your donation. Well, no operators but there is now a way to donate to help us find a cure for MS. Please donate today.
Thanks,
Matt

And...Action!

2007-04-13T07:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a link to the 2006 Sam's Club MS150 event video. It perfectly highlights all the elements of this awesome event. Enjoy.

Wanna ride?

2007-04-11T23:55:00.000-05:00

I would love the company if you're interested. You can ride as little or as much as you want because it's a fully supported ride. Meaning, you can can stop 15 miles in, catch a van to lunch, a later rest stop, or even the Texas Motor Speedway overnight. This is much more common than you might think.

Many folks participate for many reasons. Some want to raise funds in honor of a friend or family member, but can physically only ride 20 miles. Some are diehard cyclists who raise the minimum donation ($300) and enjoy a fully supported, Tour de France like event. Whatever your reason(s), I guarantee you will have a great time and make some awesome memories. Please drop me an email if you are interested in joining the greatest team in the world, the FEISTY DEVILS!

my email: busternoe@yahoo.com

Every little bit helps, seriously

2007-04-11T22:51:00.000-05:00

The MS150 is far from being an event created just to give us something to brag about. That's what marathons and triathlons are for. This is one of many fundraising events put on by regional chapters of the National MS Society. This event goes from Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway on day one, then kicks off day 2 with a lap around the TMS track ending in Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. It's a beautiful route through the open spaces of North Texas. It's a great time with nearly 3000 riders of all ages, shapes and skill levels all with the same goal -- to raise awareness and funds necessary to end MS!

My 2007 goal is to raise at least $2500 and I need your help. If you would like to donate, you have 2 easy options:

1. Click Here ---> ONLINE DONATIONS This is a direct link to a MS Society rider fundraising page specifically linked to my fundraising efforts for the MS150. Simply fill in your credit/debit card info, your donation amount, then click "submit." This is a secure transaction that goes directly to the MS Society and will give you an electronic receipt for your tax records. NOTE: If you would prefer to donate anonymously, this online tool has that option.

***click image to enlarge***

2. Make a check out to the "National MS Society" and send it to my address below.
Matt Noe
504 Sycamore Lane
Euless, TX 76039

IMPORTANT NOTE: All donations are due by June 7th, 2007 so please donate at your earliest convenience. Remember, whichever method you choose is tax deductible and with Tax Day upon us, we all know this is a nice benefit.

I certainly respect that you have many requests for charity and understand should you choose not to participate. If you can include the National MS Society in your charitable plans, we greatly appreciate any small donation you give.

Where dollars donations are used:

Why I ride

2007-04-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

I frequently have people ask me “how’s your mom doing?” That’s a hard question to answer. How do you tell someone that the woman who used to run you all over town, volunteer for PTA, maintain a spotless house and manage a happy home now cannot drive a car, is in a wheelchair and has a cleaning service?

Let me tell you why I find it hard to answer that question. I find it hard to answer that question because MS is the most frustrating, helpless disease for both the patient and those that care about them.

How would you respond if you had to watch someone you love lose use of their major motor skills, short term memory and only on occasion do you get to see their natural, infectious personality?

Well, I ride! I get on my bike for 2 days and cover 150 miles, most of the time wondering if my pain and soreness compares to anything near what MS patients experience. I ride because she and millions of others just like her cannot – and I’m positive they wish they could. I ride to raise money for finding a cure.

Please join me in the fight to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. You’re probably reading this because you know me and/or my family. Together we can make a difference in the lives of millions of families around the world.

What is MS?

2007-04-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

MS is a disabling, chronic, devastating disease that affects young adults, is unpredictable in its course, and has no known cure. MS can impair mobility, sight, speech, balance, and coordination. It is often characterized by patterns of attack and remission and most commonly strikes people between the ages of 20 and 50, at the time when many people are beginning a career and starting families.

However, advances in research are giving hope to those affected. The continuation of this research is solely dependent on funding. That's where you and I can make a difference. Simply follow the "PLEASE DONATE..." link and give any amount you can. Every dollar helps us get closer to wiping out MS!!!

Another year, another ride

2007-04-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a few years since my last ride but better late than never. After nearly 3 years in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina and no MS150's, I'm ready to saddle up for another 150 miles! I've got to be honest, I've barely ridden my bike in since the 2004 MS150 and I can definitely tell in the few rides I've done preparing for this years tour. Regardless, I'm pumped to be riding again as a part of everyone's favorite team, the Feisty Devils.

Just to bring you up to speed on the last few months of my life, here's the quick version. In January we moved back to Dallas/Ft. Worth when I accepted a great offer to take a marketing position with an incredible digital advertising agency imc2. In that time at the company I've some how been "nominated" to co-head our MS150 recruiting and fundraising efforts at imc2.

I learned about imc2 when I rode with the Feisty Devils in 2003 & '04 where many of the team members were from imc2, including the President & Founder of imc2 Doug Levy. Doug and his wonderful wife Alyce co-founded the Feisty Devils as a friends & family team after Alyce was diagnosed with MS. Due in large part to their infectious passion and exitement, the team is now one of the largest & highest fundraising teams in the NATION!

So, I've been on my bike about 4 times and need to ride alot more or it's going to be a really rough event. I'm working on ramping up my mileage now that the weather's nice and the reality of the ride being in less than one month has hit me.

Please continue to check back often for more info on my training and fundraising efforts.

Pics from 2003 & 2004 MS150

2007-04-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

My wonderful mom Valorie and I at the finish of my first (2003) MS150. Don't be fooled, she's really holding me up in this picture ;)

I've always wanted to finish with the no hands, Tour de France pose but fear the nasty -- and highly embarassing -- crash that would definitely follow. So, I just went with the standard "ahhhhh, I'm finished and could use some help removing this seat from my backside."

Mom and I after the 2004 ride. She asked me to let her ride on the handlebars, but I was in no shape for that. Maybe this year she can swap out with Hayden in the baby trailer. We'll see... that's what she always told me when I wanted to do something risky