Team Atlantic Health System Supports MS Society Bike Ride for Tenth Year
September 2016, Morristown, NJ – Team Atlantic Health System will be participating in the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society’s Bike MS: Country Challenge 2016 for the 10th consecutive year on September 17 and 18. This year, Team Atlantic Health System will be recognized for raising more than $150,000 for the MS Society to support ground breaking research focused on stopping MS progression, restoring lost function and finding a cure.
Overlook Medical Center president, Alan Lieber, invites cyclists, novice and experienced, to join his strong support for this cause.
“Joining a team has greater impact than riding solo,” says Alan Lieber, president, Overlook Medical Center. “Every year, rain or shine, my wife, Alice, joins me on the 100-mile journey to support the incredible efforts of the National MS Society. I wholeheartedly believe in this cause.”
Join Atlantic Health System for the Bike MS: Country Challenge
Any level cyclist can join the ride. There are several route options for all cycling abilities and routes and distances for novice and experienced riders. The ride offers a one or two-day cycling adventure on some of New Jersey’s most scenic back roads, past historic towns in Somerset and Morris counties, and through the Great Swamp. On both days, the ride begins and ends in Morristown.
“You will experience an incredible level of camaraderie as you embark on a journey with laughter, excitement, support and a profound sense of accomplishment,” adds Lieber. “Your participation will drive MS research forward faster so we can minimize the effects of, and ultimately eradicate, this deadly disease. In addition, funds raised help deliver programs and services to those who face the challenges of MS every day.”
To join the ride, or donate to the cause, go to atlantichealth.org/BikeMS, which takes you directly to Team Atlantic Health System on the MS Society web site. Joining the team, or donating on behalf of a team member, is easy. To join Team Atlantic Health System as a virtual rider, use promotional code AHSVIRTUAL. One hundred percent of all funds raised go directly to the National MS Society.
This year, Overlook Medical Center’s Family Practice resident, Mikhail Varshavski, DO, known for “Doctor Mike” social media persona with over two million followers, is joining Team Atlantic Health System as a virtual rider. “As a busy medical resident with crazy hours, I could not commit to the weekend ride,” says Dr. Varshavski. “But, it is important to me to show my support with fund-raising for this cause as a virtual rider. I have my own foundation and believe in supporting valuable causes and giving back.”
Tips from Atlantic Health System for the Bike MS: Country Challenge
Children are welcome. Cyclists must be 12 years or older by the start of the event and minors are required to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please check the web site for details and requirements.
Chris Amalfitano, MD, chair of the emergency department at Overlook Medical Center, and his 14-year-old son, Ryan, are riding together for the third time.
“It is exciting to see family members ride together for this important cause,” says Amalfitano, of Bernards Township. “My son’s cycling and fund-raising commitment is a valuable community effort. We enjoy doing this together.”
Family and friends are always welcome at the start and finish line in Morristown. At the conclusion of each ride on Saturday and Sunday, team riders and their supporters are invited to an end-of-ride celebration with food and festivities.
For more information on Team Atlantic Health System, contact Liz Newell at 908-522-5697 or Alexis Stone at 201- 977-2459 at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society NJ Metro Chapter.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System, headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, is one of the largest non-profit health care systems in New Jersey. Atlantic Health System has created a Trusted Network of Caring™. Our promise to our communities is that anyone who enters our system will receive the right care, at the right quality, at the right time, at the right place and at the right cost. Our network includes Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ; Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ; Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ; Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ; and Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, as well as Atlantic Rehabilitation, and Atlantic Home Care and Hospice. It also includes its subsidiary, Atlantic Ambulance Corporation. Atlantic Health System comprises 1,599 licensed beds, more than 14,000 employees and more than 4,000 physicians. Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University; a Major Clinical Affiliate of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; part of Atlantic Accountable Care Organization, one of the largest ACOs in the nation, and is a member of AllSpire Health Partners.
Learn more about our Trusted Network of Caring™ at Atlantic Health System >
About Overlook Medical Center
Overlook Medical Center, based in Summit, NJ, is a recognized leader in neuroscience care and home to some of New Jersey’s top doctors, most compassionate care and most advanced technology and treatments. Atlantic Neuroscience Institute is the region’s leader in neuroscience care, offering a broad range of advanced neurological, neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic services. Overlook Medical Center is home to the Brain Tumor Center of New Jersey and the largest and most experienced CyberKnife program in New Jersey. Overlook is certified as a Level IV Epilepsy Center and one of 10 sites in the United States to be designated a Tourette Syndrome Association Centers of Excellence. Overlook Medical Center is the only hospital in New Jersey recognized as one of “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care™ and Critical Care™” in 2016 and New Jersey’s only recipient to receive Healthgrades’ Distinguished Hospital Excellence Award and Stroke Care Excellence Award. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Overlook Medical Center among the best hospitals in central New Jersey and as a “Best Regional Hospital” for neurology & neurosurgery. Accredited for behavioral health care by The Joint Commission, Overlook Medical Center is also advanced certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. The hospital is also Joint Commission-certified in spine surgery, wound care, and primary care medical home (PCMH) for patient-centered, comprehensive and coordinated care. Overlook Medical Center is nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons-Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Overlook Medical Center is part of Atlantic Health System.