Bend, OR

For the second year in a row, Central Oregonians have the chance to get behind one of their local heroes, and the opportunity to support a worthwhile cause.

On March 7, 2009, Rachael Scdoris, Central Oregon’s acclaimed sled dog racer, will blast through the starting line of the Alaskan Iditarod.  This race covers over 1100 miles and dishes out some of the most unforgiving race conditions known to man (or woman), including temperatures as low as -50 degrees!

Calling the Iditarod just another dog sled race is like calling K2 just another mountain. The mushers and their dogs must face Mother Nature’s fury - her jagged mountain ranges, frozen rivers, dense forest, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coast. Add to that temperatures far below zero, winds that can wreak havoc, long hours of darkness, and treacherous side hills, and you have the extraordinary Alaskan Iditarod. From Anchorage in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1100 miles in 10 to 17 days.

Calling Rachael just another athlete is missing the mark as well. Because in addition to battling treacherous race conditions, Rachael is also legally blind.  She was born with a rare vision disorder that causes severe near sightedness, far sightedness and colorblindness.

But despite her disability, after 12 days, 10 hours and 42 minutes on the trail, in March of 2006, Rachael made history as the first legally blind athlete in history to finish the Iditarod race.

Rachael’s incredible story of hope, courage and determination to overcome obstacles has resonated with audiences both within and outside the disability community.

Having found the strength to face her own personal obstacles, Rachael is now dedicated to supporting and helping others with disabilities pursue their dreams as well.  Through her partnership with Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL) she hopes to make a difference in the lives of other Central Oregonians with disabilities.

To help support Rachael’s charity of choice, from now throughout the month of March, fans can visit Rachael’s Web site, GoRachaelGo.com to pledge/donate as little as one cent for every mile of the race.  All donations will benefit CORIL and their pursuit to empower all people with disabilities to develop their full capabilities and potential. 

Join local businesses like Ruff Wear, Gear For Dogs on the Go; KOHD News; Mix 100.7; The Economic Development Center and The Bend Chamber by supporting Rachael as she charges for the finish line this March.

For more information about the Pledge-a-thon partnership with Rachael Scdoris and CORIL, contact Jim Lee at jiml@coril.org or go to www.gorachaelgo.com or www.coril.org

Ruff Wear Contact: christyc@sundropmedia.com