ASHLAND — Due to the pandemic, local Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) advocates, Chad and Sheila Schrack, have found a creative way to harness the spirit of their annual Polar Bear Dip at Charles Mill Lake and rally other advocates from all across the country to join them.
The Schracks have transitioned what would be their 15th annual, local Polar Bear Dip Cold for a Cure into a national “Cold for a Cure” event.
Instead of gathering to run into Charles Mill Lake on New Years Day, participants are encouraged to choose a creative, socially-distanced way to get cold to raise awareness of colorectal cancer between January 2 and 3, 2021.
“It’s important because even though COVID is here, cancer is still here, too. We need to continue to fight against cancer, and for people who have battled cancer, we want them to know, we’re still trying to fight for the cause,” Chad said.
His wife, Sheila is a stage IIIc survivor of colorectal cancer who has been in remission for more than 10 years. When she was first diagnosed in 2007, Chad set out to raise awareness and money for cancer research by running into the freezing cold waters of Charles Mill Lake on New Years Day.
Family and friends joined. Then, the community got behind the cause, too. About 35 people took the plunge in 2007, but in more recent years, between 150 and 200 gather for the event.
Over the years, the event has raised more than $80,000 to fight cancer.
This year, Cold for a Cure participants are asked to get cold however they want, whenever they want. The Schracks plan to continue their local dip on a smaller scale and are encouraging other advocates to find an activity that works best for them: bundle up for a chilly walk, create a snow angel, build a snowman, take an ice bath, and even take a cold shower for those living in warmer regions of the country.
They said they feel this is the perfect way to show the relentless spirit of cancer survivors and ring in the new year with hope.
“Thirty seconds of being cold is worth it knowing we are one step closer to overcoming cancer,” Sheila said. “Let’s get cold for a cure. We encourage everyone to join in on the fun and hope for a safe and happy 2021.”
Advocates joining in the fun are asked to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #ColdForACure and/or make a donation in support of the cause.
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