Iditarod: a word that probably makes people shiver – some with cold, and others with excitement. This Alaska race is sometimes referred to as the “Last Great Race on Earth.” Dogsled teams (mushers and their dogs) compete to get to the end of 1,150 cold, treacherous miles first, hoping to become the champion.
Susan Butcher participated in more than a dozen Iditarod races and was a four-time champion. She was also the second woman to win the race.
In December 2005 Susan had another challenge set before her: Leukemia. She fought hard, winning praise and encouragement for her dedicated fight from Good Morning America (see the video on www.susanbutcher.com). When it was found out she needed a bone marrow transplant, inspired Alaskans came out in droves to donate. Sadly she lost her battle less than a year later in August 2006.
Despite the loss of Susan, her memory is still honored to this day through the actions of others.
At the opening ceremony of the Iditarod race this past Saturday (March 1st), Alaska governor Sarah Palin signed a bill saying that every first Saturday in March would be “Susan Butcher Day.” (The Iditarod race also starts every first Saturday in March.) Gov. Palin said, "No one exemplifies the spirit of Iditarod more than Susan Butcher."
Susan is also being honored in another way. Her husband, David Monson, is participating in a completely different type of race - with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training at the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon in June. (The TNT program is the marathon’s official training program.) His participation will help earn money for leukemia research and patient services.
Support David and honor Susan by donating to LLS at his page on the TNT website. (Be sure to also watch the touching PSA posted there.)
Learn more about Susan Butcher by visiting her website at www.susanbutcher.com.
Find out more about how you can participate in Team In Training:
Team In Training is currently recruiting for their Summer season. Events include: Rock 'n' Roll Marathon® , San Diego, CA - June, 1 2008; America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, Lake Tahoe, NV - June 1, 2008; Mayor's Marathon and Half Marathon, Anchorage, AK - June 1, 2008. For more information please call (800) 482-TEAM or visit www.teamintraining.org.
