2013 was a big year for our kennel. Travis ran his first Iditarod and one our good friends and sponsors, came up to ride in his sled for the ceremonial start in Anchorage as his Iditarider. It was a great experience. Travis was thrilled to meet someone who played such a crucial roll in getting us to the 2013 starting line!
Even better, however, was that G.G. generously purchased our good friend Wade Marrs’ iditarider seat too. Initially meant for G.G’s brother, when G.G.’s brother couldn’t attend the Iditarod start due to work commitments, Travis, G.G., and Wade put there heads together: Who would be the best recipient for this seat? In the end, the three of them decided to give it to one of the local hospitals. The hospital, they reseaoned, would find someone who could really use the experience!
In the end, Wade Marrs’ seat was given to Ashley Perry, an 8 year old girl with Turner’s Syndrome. I will never forget Ashley’s smile at the ceremonial start! She was so excited to be riding with Wade.
A year later, when we were up training with Wade, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that Wade had invited Ashley out to his kennel to go for another ride. In the end, Wade and Ashley formed a great friendship. Here is a wonderful video by local news station KTUU on the unlikely friendship forged between the two! Check out the great video below!
This year, Wade is dedicating his race miles to Ashely and her fight against Turner’s Syndrome. We are so glad these two have formed such an amazing friendship and are so excited to see Ashley so passionate about mushing!
Follow Wade’s on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stumpjumpinkennel or check out his website: http://www.stumpjumpinkennel.com/
Learn more about Turners Syndrome: http://www.turnersyndrome.org/
