Robert Sandler ’48: Riding for a Cause
For 22 consecutive years, Bob Sandler of the Class of 1948 has completed Bike MS, an annual 30-mile biking fundraiser supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He does so in memory of his niece whose life was cut short by multiple sclerosis, and for millions more who suffer from the disease. Nearly 75,000 cyclists and more than 6,000 teams participate annually in Bike MS, which raises more money than any other cycling event for any other cause.
Bob has been an avid cyclist for decades. He and fellow cyclists founded the County Cycle Club in 1970 (now known as the Westchester Cycle Club). Bob started participating in Bike MS 22 years ago after responding to a flyer at his local pharmacy. Not even heart surgery has kept him from the annual challenge. Just a few months after a successful heart operation in 2019, he was back in the saddle riding with “Bob’s Bikers,” as his team is affectionately known. In total, Bob has raised more than $500,000 for MS and has been recognized as a top-ten fundraiser in all of the 22 years he has participated.
As Bob reflects on his Bike MS fundraising page, “I am humbled by the continued generous support from my friends and family for the National MS Society, a cause which is dear to my heart. I recently celebrated my 90th birthday and as I enter my 22nd year of riding I want my supporters to know I have no plans of stopping any time soon, and hope you will join us on the road as part of Bob’s Bikers in 2021. Thank you again for all your support and encouragement.”
Bob Sandler '48 (second from left) along with his team of fundraisers, “Bob's Bikers.”