Grace Jones Ragland (March 7, 1961- January 24, 2020) was born and raised in Chattanooga. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Home economics. During college, at the age of 18, Grace was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She was determined to live life to the fullest and to never ever fall victim to a "woe is me" attitude. Because of her diagnosis, and after her divorce, she found a love for mountain biking. It gave her life direction and purpose. She became an avid racer, instructor, and a revered national advocate in the fight against MS. Her message of tenacity and action has touched thousands of MS sufferers, and her example of unfailing courage has reached beyond the MS community to inspire all who have heard her story.
In 2018, Grace embarked on her defining adventure, the 2750 mile Tour Divide bike race that stretched from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide. This race brought with it rain, snow,cold and heat as well as the turmoil of MS, infection, isolation and exhaustion. Her mottos were "I can, I will, I am" and "Keep your eye on the prize". After 41 days, she reached the end of the race. Shortly after returning home, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She attacked cancer with the same tenacity that she did all things in her life, doing chemo and achieving remission. Her last summer was spent riding in the Rockies. She has one son, Wills Ragland.
Her story has been chronicled in the acclaimed book, Divide by One, which witnesses a spirit that is test, yet comes shining through in the end. This 400 mile bike ride is in her memory and honor. We will be raising money through this 400 mile ride from Birmingham to Fairhope as each rider will ride and raise funds. You can also register for the "GRACIE SUNSHINE" ride if you aren't up for a full 400! This is the 50 mile or 100 mile option on the registration page. You can join us Saturday, April 24 for that part of the ride!
The donations will go to the Tanner Foundation's Scholar in Multiple Sclerosis, Ashlyn Anderson. She is a 5th year Immunology graduate student pursuing my PhD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying Multiple Sclerosis in the laboratory of Drs. Laurie Harrington and Etty (Tika) Benveniste. She hopes to continue studying neuroinflammation research and teaching after graduate school. Her blog Is: https://immuknowledgeblog.