On New Year’s Day, Wisconsin volunteers Krista Peterson and Denny Novachek took on the Polar Plunge challenge in Jacksonport, WI – and faced some of the coldest conditions on record.
With air temperatures near 10 degrees and water temperatures at a frigid 32 degrees, the plunge was not for the faint of heart. Despite the extreme cold, Krista and Denny bravely completed the challenge, making it in and out of the icy water in quick fashion.
Denny is the husband and devoted caregiver to Cami Novachek – a true scleroderma warrior and our Upper Great Lakes State Lead Volunteer in Wisconsin.
For Krista, the plunge carried special meaning. She participated in honor of her mom, Linda Peterson, on what would have been her birthday. Linda passed away from scleroderma two years ago this February. To honor her legacy, Krista created a third-party fundraiser to raise awareness and critical funds for scleroderma research, education, and support.
“I am so incredibly proud to share that together, we raised over $1,500 – far exceeding my expectations,” Krista shared. “These funds will go directly toward resources and support for those, like Cami, who fight this disease with such bravery every single day. I did the freezin’, but you provided the impact.”
Their courageous act even drew attention from local news outlets, helping shine a light on the ongoing fight against scleroderma.
We are grateful to Krista and Denny for turning an icy challenge into a powerful moment of remembrance, awareness, and hope for the scleroderma community.
