Storm Lake woman finds freedom on her bicycle

Sun, Jul 25, 2010 | by RAGBRAI

Storm Lake – Tracy Swanson Mork glides across the pavement with ease riding alongside her husband on her double-wide recumbent bicycle.

It’s not until they stop and her husband Tom lifts her out of the seat that one would ever know anything was wrong.

Some doctors say Mork lost use of her arms and legs due to the onset of ALS, a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement for which there is no known cure. Others say it’s a spinal injury that can be fixed.

So far the Storm Lake native has defeated the odds.

Last year at this time, the 44-year-old mother of two couldn’t sit up straight, let alone get on a bike. At that time, doctors had told the former volleyball coach and RAGBRAI veteran to eliminate all physical activity in order to conserve her strength.

“They told us to get our affairs in order,” she said.

For a while, she listened. But friends weren’t as willing to give up hope.

A network of people from college and RAGBRAI got Mork set up with a new clinic that specialized in spinal injuries. They encouraged her to get out of her chair and start working her muscles.

Today, Mork sits up straight in a chair without help. She unfurls her curled fingers by stretching them out on her legs. And she pedals a bike across parts of Iowa.

“The bike really makes me feel normal,” she said.

The bike is specially designed so that Mork’s feet are strapped to the pedals. A backrest and seat belt keep her sitting in place. A co-pilot in another attached recumbent bike gives her support when the terrain gets to hard.

For now, members of Mork’s RAGBRAI team take turns with that role, but she keeps faith that the day will come when she won’t need any help at all.

“We’re just being positive about it and keep trying whatever we can try,” she said.

-Cynthia Reynaud

RAGBRAI, Storm Lake

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6 Responses on “Storm Lake woman finds freedom on her bicycle”

Marisue Vincent

July 25, 2010 at 7:18 pm

Tracey,

You are such an inspiration – this article brought me to tears. I am so glad that you are able to Ride the RAGBRAI with your Husband and Friends. I just learned about this wonderful event this year and I am hoping to do it next year. I have recently lost my job and I have spent a lot of time this summer on my bike feeling sorry for myself and training for some long rides coming up. When you put things in perspective living life to the fullest with the ones you love and being able to appreciate the open road and the wonderful things you see when you are on your bike that is what life is about. I will be praying for you and your family. May you have a wonderful week and a safe one!!!!

Patty Failla

July 26, 2010 at 7:26 am

Tarcy, you are an inspiration to so many. Keep up the fight and enjoy your ride. Its people like you that are blazing the trail for others who may face difficulty in their lives. God Bless!!

Patrick Murphy

July 26, 2010 at 8:08 am

I think not only is Tracy truly amazing for accomlishing what she has thus far, but all of her family, friends, and those that are helping her along the journey are all truly amazing!

Keep up the great work!

Theresa Hannu

July 26, 2010 at 12:11 pm

Tears stream down my face as I read about Tracy. What a beautiful person with a great outlook and spirit. Cheers to an amazing woman with amazing friends and family. She is truly amazing. God Bless!

Stacy Bezoni

July 26, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Hi Tracy, Just following the news on the Ragbrai website and low and behold there you are! Way to go Tracy, I am so happy for you that you are able to bike again. We are not riding this year but seeing you on that bike gives me motivation and inspiration. You go girl! Keep up the fight! I will be sharing your story with family and friends. Saying prayers for your continued improvement and strength. God bless you and your family.