HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thousands of cyclists are getting ready for this weekend's BP MS 150, and Eyewitness News caught up with one couple that will be taking part.
Katie Brass was struggling with dizziness and blurry vision in her early 30s that she thought was a pregnancy symptom. Then she received a diagnosis that would change her family forever.
"It was scary. It's like anything you start out and you're not expecting it. Then all of a sudden there's this new thing in your life," said her husband AJ Brass.
Katie was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. She fought fatigue, but 8 years since her diagnosis she says advances in treatment have given her a better quality of life than ever.
She has gone from multiple shots a week to one oral pill a day.
"You know 15 years ago, there were no treatments. I would have been diagnosed and they would have said sorry we have no drug and no help for you," Katie said.
Katie and her husband channeled their energy into raising money for the MS Society. Last year, Katie rode in her first BP MS 150.
"I never, ever thought I would or could do anything like that," she said. "The ride is an awe inspiring situation. It is."
The organization's largest fundraising ride in the nation has been a way for the family to contribute and see the progress.
"I could just tell when she finished her face lit up. She had really accomplished something that she wanted to do and our family was there," AJ said.
Like the journey from Houston to Austin, there are uphills and downhills ahead. However, Katie says life with MS is not the dark tunnel it used to be.
"I believe there will be a cure," she said.
Katie will take the 180 mile trek and ride in her second BP MS 150 this weekend.