AEDC helps Dr. Wim Ruyten raise awareness for PSC

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ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Arnold Air Force Base will host a send-off ceremony to mark the 512-mile bicycle journey of Dr. Wim Ruyten, a member of the Arnold Engineering Development Center family, from Tullahoma, Tenn. to Chicago as he participates in the "Itching for a Cure: Road to Chicago" fundraising challenge at 9 a.m., April 23. 

The challenge, organized by the Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PCS) Partners Seeking a Cure foundation, focuses on raising awareness of the disease. 

Dr. Ruyten was diagnosed with PSC in 2004 and has actively participated in online awareness campaigns for the foundation. The bicycle trip to Chicago will mark the first time he has taken to the road for the foundation. 

"PSC is a rare, but serious disease that slowly destroys the bile ducts and, eventually, the liver," said Dr. Ruyten. "My goal is to raise public and organ donor awareness while promoting ways to help individuals affected by PSC. For example, one of the best ways to assist someone with this disease is to fill out the donor information on your driver's license." 

"Every person who regularly works at this base is a member of the AEDC family," said Col. Art Huber, AEDC commander. "And so we take great pride in supporting their personal endeavors that contribute to community wellness. I hope this event and Dr. Ruyten's efforts to raise awareness serve to highlight the challenges facing individuals impacted by this disease." 

Media representatives interested in attending the event must confirm attendance by calling AEDC Public Affairs at (931) 454-4204 to ensure space at the event. Media representatives attending the send-off should arrive at Arnold's main gate by 8:45 a.m., April 23. 

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