From Our Camp To Theirs
Battling thin air, steep terrain, rocky trails, a 100-mile course and a 30-hour time limit, two marathoner executives from The Coleman Company, Inc. and Jarden Corporation last weekend completed a grueling challenge to help kids with cancer.
Scott Henrikson, Senior Vice President Americas Sales for Coleman, and Martin E. Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Coleman’s parent company Jarden Corp., conquered the Leadville (Colo.) Trail 100 Ultramarathon, August 22-23, to help raise awareness and funds for Camp Mak-A-Dream near Missoula, Mont.
The camp is a medically supervised, cost-free experience where hiking, horseback riding, fishing, archery, swimming and other activities in the outdoors offer life-changing escapes for children, young adults and families affected by cancer.
Henrikson completed the race in an official time of 29 hours, 33 minutes; while Franklin finished in 27 hours, 47 minutes.
“The race was extremely challenging, there were periods when I felt great and then other times that were pretty tough,” Henrikson said. “I certainly felt new levels of pain and exhaustion.
“Just before the start of the race, Jennifer Benton from Camp Mak-A-Dream, presented me with a photo album and a note from some of the kids we were helping at the camp,” he noted. “Whatever challenges I faced during the run do not compare to what these kids face as they battle cancer. Crossing the finish line was a great sense of accomplishment knowing that we helped this great facility change the lives of these children and their families.”
Coleman is wrapping up a corporate and individual fundraising campaign for Camp Mak-A-Dream and will announce a donation soon. Henrikson did add – “stay tuned for our 2010 event!”
About 8,600 kids age 14 and under will be diagnosed this year with the disease. Henrikson said Coleman’s goal is ensuring that Camp Mak-A-Dream can accommodate as many of these youngsters and their families as possible.
Update: Scott here. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me for the Leadville 100 mile ultramarathon. The race was the most difficult physical challenge I have ever faced. I sincerely appreciate the never ending support and and the special motivation to help my new young friends at Camp Mak A Dream. Any pain I may have felt for nearly 30 hours of running is nothing compared to what a child facing cancer. It was truly an honor to represent Coleman and run for this cause. Stay tuned for a 2010 event!
At Coleman, we've always known that camping benefits body, mind and spirit, but there's a special place in Montana that takes the camp concept to a whole new level.
Camp Mak-A-Dream is a medically supervised, cost-free experience for children, young adults and families affected by cancer. It's a place where the outdoors and activities and friendships can melt away the difficulties of lives stressed by hospitals and treatments. For one week, fear and anxiety go into complete remission.
Coleman has launched a charitable giving and awareness campaign for Camp Mak-A-Dream—and we need your help!
Click below on the "Donate Now" link to get involved, learn more and make a donation.
About 8,600 kids age 14 and under will be diagnosed this year with cancer. We hope that every healthy family who understands the power of connecting with nature will join us in supporting Camp Mak-A-Dream. Together, we can ensure that more youngsters can attend this wonderful facility and enjoy life-changing outdoor experiences.
Scott Henrikson, Sr. Vice President Americas' Sales for The Coleman Company, Inc., is taking on one of America's most grueling outdoor challenges—a 100-mile ultramarathon across Colorado high country—to help bring awareness to Camp Mak-A-Dream.
Henrikson will represent Coleman and Camp Mak-A-Dream in the Leadville (Colo.) 100 Trail Ultramarathon, August 22-23.
Martin E. Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Jarden Corporation, Coleman's parent company, will join Henrikson in the run to bring awareness to Camp Mak-A-Dream.
Coleman's awareness effort includes a web-based charitable giving campaign for the nonprofit.
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