Skiing for a cause

Skiing the Birkie has always been a family tradition for the Muench family, and this year is no different. The training has begun, and the excitement is beginning to build. Each year skiers at the Birkie have an option to sign up and participate in “Ski for the Cure,” a segment of the race that is set up to raise funds for a charitable cause. This year, the Ski for the Cure cause is once again going to be for the MS Society.

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, host of the largest cross country ski race in North America, and skiers participating in the Ski for the Cure¨ during 2006, 2007 and 2008 raised more than $84,000 for Minnesota and Wisconsin Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Chapters of the Arthritis Foundation, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG¨).

Last year, the cause was MS and they were able to raise over $110,000 for the National MS Society!

Louie Jr. and his son Louis K., have always participated in the “Ski for a Cure,” but since learning of a family member’s diagnosis of MS approximately four years ago, the MS cause has special meaning. They are raising the bar for themselves this year. They each have met countless friends and neighbors whose lives have been touched by MS. This is a very debilitating disease and no one is exempt from the destruction it can have on your body.

The Muench family would like to ask for the community’s support in their effort to raise awareness of this disease.

On February 27, 2010, they will be skiing the Birkie. If you would like to help support the Muench family , visit www.wisms.org. In the middle of the page, there is an orange box that says “Donate to an event participant.” Click on the box, and it will take you to another page. On that page, there are five options. Click on “Birkie Skiers for Cures.” At the top of the page, there is a direct link to “donate/epledge.” Click on that link, and follow the instructions.

Donations can also be mailed to Louie’s Finer Meats at P.O. Box 774, Cumberland, WI, 54829.

You can also get more information at the American Birkebeiner website: http://www.birkie.com.