Pedaling for a Cure, and a Friend.

Its common knowledge around Lopez Negrete Communications that account supervisor Milagros Cerda, affectionately known as Millie, is a self-admitted “goal-oriented, fierce go-getter.”

In 2003, Millie began working as an entry level account coordinator. Today she is an account supervisor for one of the agency’s largest clients, Walmart. It’s no surprise Millie climbed the career ladder so quickly, as she can predict a client’s wants and needs in a matter of minutes and is more than just passionate about Hispanic advertising.

But in 2006 Millie’s ambitious career was abruptly halted. Millie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is often a chronic disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

“When I was diagnosed, I was in pure shock, as you can imagine.  I thought all along I was just suffering from fatigue, but it turned out to be MS,” says Milagros. “Initially I had to take several months off work, but now I am back on a regular schedule, with the exception of those pesky doctor’s appointments. Everyone at work is amazingly supportive, concerned and caring. They are my family, away from my family!”

It was Millie’s journey of acceptance, courage and fight against multiple sclerosis that inspired several members of the Lopez Negrete familia to pedal the ride of their lives.  In honor of Milagros, her journey and plight, creative director Luis Gonzalez, along with broadcast production manager Lemee Moffett and senior broadcast producer Robert Feliciano, will dedicate two days to the BP MS 150 bike ride from Houston to Austin, a distance of approximately 164 miles!

“I’m already passionate about cycling but it was Millie who inspired me to ride a bike for two days straight!” says Luis. “I hope, Lemee, Roberto and I encourage and inspire more colleagues to participate next year.”

Last year the MS 150 raised more than 15 million in the fight against multiple sclerosis. This year will mark the 25th anniversary for the BP MS 150 as it rolls through Texas April 18-19.

Photo captions (left to right):
#1 – Luis Gonzalez / Creative Director, Lemee Moffett / Broadcast Production Manager,  Milagros Cerda / Walmart Account Supervisor, Robert Feliciano / Senior Broadcast Producer                                                   
#2 – Lemee Moffett – Looking good after her first 25 mile practice ride to the Houston Ship Channel!
#3 – Luis Gonzalez – Bike rider extraordinaire