Polar Bear Plunge: Freezing for a good cause

MIFFLINBURG — The sight of about 20 half-clothed swimmers jumping into the frigid waters of Rapid Run Tuesday at Raymond B. Winter State Park may have been enough to tax even the story-telling abilities of nearby ice fishermen.

The group was participating in the fifth annual Fanny Brrr Benefit Ride and Polar Bear Plunge, held to raise money for the Blue Butterfly Fund, a local organization that provides funding for the parents of children with cancer.

The organization was founded by John and Elizabeth Sterling of Millmont, whose son Bennett was diagnosed with brain cancer about five years ago.

Bennett died in 2003 at age 18 months. The Sterlings said their experience gave them an understanding of the financial hardships experienced by parents of sick children.

They established the fund to help parents pay for travel, lodging and medical expenses not covered by insurance.

According to the organization’s Web site, they chose to name the organization the Blue Butterfly Fund was because blue symbolizes healing, while the butterfly symbolizes hope.

Tuesday’s event, a combination 25-mile bicycle ride and polar bear swim, raises an average of $2,500 every year, according to John Sterling.

The bike ride-polar bear plunge pre-dates the organization. It actually began years earlier as a good natured challenge between two friends, Scot Wagner and John Uehling, who dared the other to make the ride and take the plunge.

About five years ago, when the Sterlings were dealing with their son’s illness, the event was held as a fundraiser to help pay their expenses.

After Bennett’s death, the ride was continued as a fundraiser for the fund.

Participants registered for the event at the First Lutheran Church in Mifflinburg, from where they set out for the cycling portion of the event.

The group — about 30 strong — started out in a tight pack, but by the time they reached the jumping in point, they were spread out over several miles.

Signs along the road, in the spirit of the old Burma Shave roadside advertisements, asked, “R-U ready to take the plunge?”

Another sign declared, “Just do it.”

Bicyclists were greeted by a large crowd of spectators, who cheered loudly as each participant pedaled up to the site.

John Maize and his wife Carla of Danville wheeled up on a tandem bike. After dismounting, Maize planted the bike in an upright position in a nearby snow drift. Then he, his wife and their friend David Decoteau, also of Danville, began changing out of their cycling gear.

Maize and Decoteau said they participated in the event last year.

“You immediately go numb,” Maize said of the plunge.

“It’s a complete all-body pain,” Decoteau said. “Then it’s over and you run out. Everything feels warm by comparison.”

Once enough riders were on hand, John Sterling measured the temperature of the water and found it 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Elizabeth Sterling then declared the commencement of the polar bear plunge, and one by one, or in groups of two or three, participants began making their way to the edge of the basin.

As each approached the water, the crowd applauded and cheered.

Some stripped down to swimming trunks or wet suits before stepping into the water. Most hesitated briefly, then dived out into the middle of the basin and submerged.

They quickly came up gasping, and occasionally, screeching, for air.

According to John Sterling, the organization has donated more than $100,000 to 75 to 80 families throughout the United States and abroad.

Those who would like to make a donation to the fund may do do by logging on to the organization’s Web site at http://http://www.bluebutterflyfund.org.'>http://www.bluebutterflyfund.org.'>http://www.bluebutterflyfund.org.'>www.bluebutterflyfund.org.