A post about being helped and helping~

Still working on a post about the important Rainy Pass checkpoint sponsorship. But had some news that just could not wait…

What is it you ask?  Well Unalakleet has been sponsored!!!  Mush Thanks to Mike Farmer for making sure the coast is not going to be so cold and lonely. With Mike in Unalakleet the checkpoint map is one step closer to being filled, and we are that much closer to reaching our funding goals for the 2013 Iditarod.

Every checkpoint gets us closer to our goals.

But this post is not just thanks for what the wonderful help we get from Team Dew Claw supporters. We wanted to share something we are going to be doing, and invite you to get involved as well.

Dan & I will be joining fellow mushers Mike Ellis of Team Tsuga Siberians, Lance Mackey of Mackey Comeback Kennel, Cody Strathe & Paige Drobny of Squid Acres Kennel, and Brent Sass of Wild & Free Mushing in wearing “I WILL” bracelet this year to help raise awareness and funds for Will Huggins as he finds the strength to battle stage 4 colon cancer metastasized in the liver. The physical challenges alone would be trying enough for anyone, but add to that the financial costs associated with medical care and lost income due to illness, and it is safe to say Will and his family are facing as big a challenge as anyone can.

I WILL

The “I WILL” bracelets began as a local effort by Will’s friends, and have since spread as far as…  well Alaska for example. The bracelets are still made locally in Southern Massachusetts, with all proceeds going directly to the Huggins family. If you want to wear this symbol of support they can now be purchased online for a $10 minimum donation at Mahoney’s Building Supply. You can also learn more about Will Huggins and see the positive messages of support from his friends at his facebook page: I WILL.

I love the simplicity and the power of the message ~ “I WILL”

I WILL ~ make a difference
I WILL ~ care
I WILL ~ stay strong
I WILL ~ live each day to the fullest

Within each of us is the power to do all this and more, and that is what I am going to be remembering as I wear this symbol. Please join us in supporting Will Huggins and his family as he faces the challenges ahead of him. This hand made bracelet would make a wonderful reminder to anyone needing encouragement and is for a very good cause. As it says on his facebook page “If we all give a little, we can help a lot.”