HometownAnnapolis.com, Top Stories - 40 years later, wheelchair bowlers still rolling
Photo by Kathleen Lange — Volunteer Russell Buhrer, 13, of Severn River Middle School watches as Sharon Engler of Glen Burnie, a member of the Hopeful Wheelers, aims for a strike at AMF Bowling Lanes in Pasadena.

For most people, bowling isn't much of a feat.

Pick up a ball, walk toward the lane, swing your arm and let it go, hoping to hit as many pins as you can.

No problem.

But for Pam Raeke and the other eight members of the Hopeful Wheelers, bowling is anything but easy. Each has multiple sclerosis. Many rely on a wheelchair, while others can't stand for long periods of time. All need some level of help.

For them, bowling goes something like this:

Wheel up to the lane in front of a ramp that looks like a metal chute. Wait for a volunteer to bring you a ball and hoist it onto the top of the ramp, usually a few feet off the floor. Then push the ball down the ramp toward the end.

It's a lot of waiting and it can be hard on volunteers, many of whom are retired.

Despite the difficulties, members of Hopeful Wheelers have a ball.

"I love bowling, I really do," said Mrs. Raeke, who has been involved with the group since 1982.

This year the Hopeful Wheelers are celebrating their 40th anniversary. They were originally funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, but the nonprofit group pulled its financial backing a few years ago. Members were given a choice: Take an alternative like yoga, or go their own way.

Now they keep the league going with volunteer help and borrowed transportation. They also pay for lane time at AMF Bowling in Pasadena.

"It gives you a reason to get out of the house and a chance to socialize with other people," said Penny McNameeMORE