Sara's Ride for MSA

11/08/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 💭
𝗥𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

"𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗴𝗼 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?"

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗦𝗔 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗦𝗔 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆. 🧡

🐎 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲:
w𝘄𝘄.𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲/𝘆𝗼𝘂-𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻𝘁-𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲-𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲-𝗺𝘀𝗮-𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗱-𝗻𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝟴𝗶𝗹𝗰

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮'𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 🐴 — 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

📅 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚: 𝙝𝙩𝙩𝙥𝙨://𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚𝟰𝙢𝙨𝙖.𝙘𝙤𝙢

#𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗠𝗦𝗔 #𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 #𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 #𝗥𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲

06/08/2026

𝙄𝙩 𝘿𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙨

It often starts with something small:

→ A stumble
→ A change in balance
→ Feeling lightheaded
→ Speech that doesn't quite sound the same

For many families, the journey to an MSA diagnosis begins with uncertainty — and a desperate search for answers.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Organizations like Mission MSA help families find trusted information, educational resources, and support when they need it most.

Read the full article to learn more:
𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲/𝘆𝗼𝘂-𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻𝘁-𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲-𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲-𝗺𝘀𝗮-𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗱-𝗻𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝟴𝗶𝗹𝗰

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮'𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:
→ Ride horseback
→ Volunteer your time
→ Sponsor the event
→ Make a donation

𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗦𝗔.

𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦: 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦4𝘮𝘴𝘢.𝘤𝘰𝘮

26/09/2025

Sara's Ride Wrap-Up: Honor, Hope, and Horses!
Wow, what an incredible day! I'm absolutely blown away by the success of this year's Sara's Ride, which we held on September 13th to honor my brave wife, Sara Nilson.

For those who don't know, I started this event to raise funds and critical awareness for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), the rare and devastating disorder that took Sara's life. This year's ride was bigger and more successful than ever! We had more riders join us at the Bear Valley Springs Equestrian Center, and I'm thrilled to share that together, we raised nearly $10,000 for Mission MSA! Every dollar goes toward the research we desperately need.

Sara was a lifelong lover of horses—her "boys" Bubba, Jack, and Cash even led the ride! She was courageous to the end, and keeping her legacy alive by helping others is what this is all about.

If you weren't able to donate before the ride, you still have a chance to help! Our pledge page remains open until the end of the month, and all late donations will be forwarded to Mission MSA on their Day of Giving event, increasing our total impact.

Give a final push to our fundraising goal here:
https://donate.missionmsa.org/fundraiser/6534672

I also encourage you to read the full story in the Tehachapi News to learn more about Sara's journey and the challenges of MSA.

Read the full article here:
https://www.tehachapinews.com/lifestyle/saras-ride-honors-a-brave-bear-valley-womans-fight-with-rare-disorder-raises-funds-and/article_a484d364-1a0a-4b90-bb3f-bde4f557a1f5.html

Thank you all for your overwhelming support. It truly means the world to me. Mark your calendars for next year's event: Sunday, September 12, 2026!

More than 40 people gathered at the Bear Valley Springs Equestrian Center Saturday to honor the memory of Sara Nilson, who died in 2023, and to raise awareness about the

15/09/2025

💙🐎 Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart 💙🐎

I’m still glowing from this year’s Sara’s Ride. To everyone who joined us—the volunteers, riders, attendees, sponsors, dear friends who rekindled memories of a young and healthy Sara Nilson, and those who were so caring and helpful in the final days of her journey—thank you. I love all of you for your help, your generosity, and for keeping hope alive for a cure for MSA. You made this our biggest and most successful ride yet!

Grateful Shout-Outs:

• Shirt Squad: To the 40+ of you who bought shirts and blanketed the venue in Sara’s favorite Robin’s-egg blue—rocking the beautiful new design and logo alongside Mission MSA’s logo—thank you. When all pledges are gathered, we’ll be writing a nice big check to Mission MSA.
• Volunteers: To everyone who set up chairs and tables, decorated, and BBQ’d that amazing tri-tip and award-winning chili—thank you. You made everything seamless and joyful.
• Riders: To the dozen riders who shared Sara’s favorite pastime—trail riding—and stayed in your saddles with big smiles—thank you.
• Texas Family: To my extended Texas family—Jim and Edy Chambers, Alan and Anita Broxson—who flew in and have supported me not just this weekend but throughout the years: you’re my adopted family, not by blood but absolutely by love. Thank you for always being there; I love you more than words can say.
• Sandy & Dream Team: To Sandy Bakich, my new love, who has embraced my broken heart and joyfully joined me in this annual event—and to her team of true pros who fed us so well and seemed to know what needed doing before anyone asked—Jerry and Ginger Riggs, Lawrence, Nicole, Jessica, and Stephanie Frenes—things just happened, got done, and magically went back where they belonged. Thank you.
• Sponsors: Your support helps defray costs so we can send more to Mission MSA: TownePlace Suites by Marriott, The Butcher Shop, Brite Creek Farm, TNG Energy Services, Tehachapi Wine and Cattle—thank you.
• Press & Community: To The Tehachapi Loop, The Tehachapi News, and Patrick Johnston for covering our story and the event—thank you. The press made all the difference. People knew the story, and they showed up to help—in a big way.
• Mission MSA Donors: To those who generously donated via Sara’s Mission MSA funding page—Peter DeArmond, Cindy Rechsteiner, Sandra McCoy, Leana Mitchell, David Perkins, Jaime Baetz, Lisa Bergholdt, Alan Miller, Paul and Laurie Chataem, and several anonymous donors—thank you.

The funding window is still open. If you couldn’t attend but would like to contribute, you can donate directly here: https://donate.missionmsa.org/fundraiser/6534672

Because of you, I’m confident we beat our goal again this year. I’ll share the final tally soon, but for now, please accept my deepest gratitude for honoring Sara’s life and helping fuel the mission to end MSA.

With love and thanks,
—Fred

💙🐎

11/09/2025

🚨 2 DAYS TO GO! 🚨
Sara’s Ride is this Saturday, Sept 13 in Bear Valley Springs. If you’re planning to join the trail ride, please call/text me at (661) 472-0581 today to arrange your gate pass. Let’s pack the trail and ride for the cure! 🤠💜

This year we’re aiming to crush our $6,000 goal and double our riders. Every saddle in the lineup helps patients and families facing Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

👕 New 2025 Sara’s Ride Tee-Shirts will be on sale ($25). All proceeds go to Mission MSA. Pick up at the event; if you can’t attend, message me your address and we’ll mail yours.

🍽️ BBQ Lunch headcount matters! If you’re joining us for lunch, please RSVP so we plan enough tri-tip: [email protected]

📝 Waiver: If you don’t live in Bear Valley Springs and plan to ride, please complete the waiver before the ride.

💡 During lunch we’ll share exciting updates on advancements in MSA treatments—come hear what’s on the horizon and how your support accelerates progress.

Can’t ride? You can still make a difference by donating and sharing this post. Every dollar and share fuels research and support services. 🙌

Gate Pass & Questions: Call/Text (661) 472-0581
RSVP/Info: [email protected]

Donate: donate.missionmsa.org/fundraiser/6534672

05/09/2025

Ride with Purpose on Sept 13 — Join Sara’s Ride or Help Us Hit $6,000

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is rare, fast-moving, and unforgiving. Most families have never heard of it until a loved one is suddenly fighting for balance, blood pressure, speech, and independence—all at once. There’s no cure yet, few effective treatments, and too few resources for families carrying the load at home. We ride to change that.

We ride for Sara—beloved wife and friend—whose light still leads us. On Saturday, September 13 at the Club House Equestrian Center, Bear Valley Springs, we’ll fill the trail with hope, then share a Tri-Tip & Gourmet Chili Luncheon together. Your saddle, your plate, your gift—all of it moves real help and research forward.

Be a Rider (and bring your appetite!)

Schedule

9:30 AM – Riders saddle up

10:00 AM – Trail ride begins

11:30 AM – Horses return

12:00 PM – Luncheon at the Clubhouse (RSVP needed)

1:00 PM – Brief MSA update

2:00 PM – Event concludes

What to know

RSVP for lunch (important): email [email protected]
so we have enough BBQ.

Not a BVS resident? We’ll provide gate passes & equestrian permits.

Riders outside BVS: please download/complete the waiver before the ride.

Sara Shirts: $25 each—pick up at the event or we’ll ship if you can’t attend.

Questions? Call (661) 472-0581.

Be a Giver (if you can’t ride)

We’re halfway to our $6,000 goal. A gift today—of any size—helps families facing MSA and fuels research. Donate via our Mission MSA fundraiser (link/QR in the comments) or Venmo (QR on the flyer). 100% of shirt profits go to MSA research and patient support.

Why your help matters

MSA affects only a few people per hundred thousand, but it steals years quickly and places a heavy, daily burden on caregivers. Your ride, your RSVP, your donation—these are lifelines. They tell every family facing MSA that they are seen and not alone.

Ride for Sara. Ride for those still fighting.
Comment “I’m in” to ride, RSVP for lunch, and share this post to spread the word.

Educational note & sources (omit from the Facebook post if you wish):
MSA is rare (about 3.4–4.9 per 100,000 people) and progresses rapidly. There is no cure or disease-modifying therapy; average survival is ~7–10 years from symptom onset. Caregiving needs are high and multidisciplinary support is recommended.

This information is for education only and isn’t medical advice. Please consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis or care decisions.

02/09/2025

Sara's Ride for MSA (Only 11 Days Left) was interviewed and published in the TheLoopNewspaper.

Thank you to our Sponsors who are also mentioned: TownePlace Suites by Marriott, the Butcher Shop, Brite Creek Farm, Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company and TNG Energy Services.

DM me if you are coming so I call in a gate pass.

If your riding, please confirm this week so we can plan accordingly.

Not riding? Can't make the BBQ? You still can paticipate to help us reach our goal: https://donate.missionmsa.org/fundraiser/6534672

https://www.theloopnewspaper.com/page/current-issue-now-in-stands/4171.html