Iditarod icon, breast cancer survivor to speak
DeeDee Jonrowe an Alaska sled dog racing icon will visit with the public at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Friday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in Bustad Hall, room 145.
Jonrowe has competed annually for more than 20 years in the male-dominated Iditarod Trail Sled Dog competition. A breast cancer survivor, she comes to campus to convey her special brand of hope, encouragement and perseverance under adversity.
Arguably, Jonrowe’s most important finish was in the 2003. Despite finishing only eighteenth, her real victory was that she had competed through the full 1,150 miles at all.
Jonrowe begins 2005 Iditarod race
Three months earlier, she endured a double mastectomy and had battled through aggressive chemotherapy treatments to keep racing. Jonrowe is now cancer free, and will be bringing with her, an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Iditarod, as well as her inspirational message of hope and survival.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the most difficult and physically grueling athletic events in the world. The 30-year-old race is based on the Alaskan tradition of using dogsleds for transportation. It commemorates the historic 1925 serum run from Anchorage to Nome during a diphtheria epidemic.
In addition to proving a consistent top-finisher in the Iditarod, Jonrowe is also a triathlete, and has B.S. degree in biological sciences and renewable resources.
For related articles go to:
* USA Today — http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2007-03-08-jonrowe-iditarod_N.htm
* Living Light News — http://www.livinglightnews.org/vdeedee.htm
* Wikipedia — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeeDee_Jonrowe
* Sign on San Diego.com — http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20061018-9999-1s18ironman.html
* Brio — http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/reallife/a0004591.html?ResultsOnly=BRIO.elderly032305
