The community is invited to once again take part in the wild and crazy—and this year, a bit scary—Mush for a Cure. The theme for the 8th annual event’s kickoff on Friday, March 7 is “Pink Zombie Party” which includes the “Bald, Brave and Beautiful” competition. The merriment continues on Saturday, March 8 with pink-clad people and dogs taking to the trail for a fun run that benefits the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Saturday’s events take place on Gunflint Lake in front of Gunflint Pines Resort beginning at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast open to all. The long course, which at press time had 21 participants signed up, begins there with an entertaining sourdough start at 12 p.m. The short course, with 11 racers at press time, including some skijoring teams finishes there, so there is action all day.
The Cook County Ridge Riders snowmobile club will be grilling food and there will be other activities throughout the day. And in case of inclement weather, a big tent will be set up on the lake.
Honoree Aileen Todd
The highly successful fundraiser has brought in $186,500 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in its eight years. One of the organizers, Sue Prom of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, encourages everyone to join the fun. Prom said, “This is not a race where one team wins. It’s an event where everyone wins by raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.”
The event also supports survivors of cancer, such as the 2014 Mush for a Cure honoree, Aileen “Ikey” Todd, a long-time volunteer in the UP200 Sled Dog Race. Todd, a five-year breast cancer survivor who has some residual health problems, wrote on the Mush for a Cure website: “I am not through the fight nor will I be, but I live life to the fullest. I just don’t have time for drama or the petty things that go on. I just want to enjoy what’s out there be it birds singing or an awesome sunset or watching the kids play in my neighborhood. Life is precious and we really aren’t given a whole lot of time to spend it mad or upset, those are wasted days to me. As one of Kenny Chesney’s songs says ‘Live, Love, and Laugh a Lot!’
“I am very blessed to have been asked to be this year’s honoree for a Mush for a Cure! I thank you all and I am looking forward to seeing everyone this winter! Mush!” said Todd.
Check out the schedule on page B5 and head up the trail for the fun. Come for the Pink Zombie Party, for the racing, or for a full weekend of fun, just be sure to wear some pink!
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