Reaching Beyond the Clouds

VASCULITIS: Racing for a Cure 

My next effort to raise Rare Disease Awareness is to carry the NORD and Vasculitis Foundation Banners across the finish line of the 2013  Alaskan Iditarod Dog Sled Race. The 1150 mile race begins the first Saturday in March. It starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome.

Iditarod History:
“In 1925 when a diphtheria epidemic (one of several devastating epidemics to sweep Alaska in the first part of the century) threatened isolated, icebound Nome. The nearest serum was in Anchorage. A Pony Express-type relay of dog teams was quickly organized. The serum arrived in time to prevent the epidemic and save hundreds of lives.”

Lance Mackey, a four-time Iditarod winner, has agreed to train me and provide the dogs, equipment etc… In addition, Lance is a cancer survivor and his kennel is appropriately called The Come Back Kennel.

Wonderful people and amazing dogs!

As you can see, the connections between disease and the Iditarod provide a great opportunity to continue to raise rare disease awareness. Why do I do these extreme and costly events? After going for 14 years undiagnosed, I am compelled to shout out to the world “Hey, we’re out there – help!” 

Graphic donated by Gary at (www.pressworks.ca) whose daughter, Holly, was diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis.