What's in a Team?

My Dad wrote this blog about the Polar Bear Plunge that we do every year to raise money for the Special Olympics. If you haven't joined us in years past, your missing out on a super event!!! For me, personally, the Polar Bear Plunge was a life changing experiece. I went for the first time when Logan was 9 months old. Logan was asked to be the "chairbaby" of the plunge. We went on Friday to watch the super plungers take their first of 24 dips!!! I was so incredably moved by all the plungers, volunteers and families there. It was the first time that I really, truly believed that Logan would be okay!! Then, all of our friends came the next day, and rallied around our little guy and DOVE into 38 degree weather. It was such an awesome experience for me and Sam. We'll never forget it and we'll continue the tradition of the Polar Bear Plunge for the rest of our lives :)

What's in a Team?
By Gary Anderson

What’s in a team?
Who would have imagined at the start of the warmth of summer of ’06 that our community of family, friends and colleagues would be energized and excited to be jumping into the ice cold waters of the bay in January of ‘07. It happened. Not just once, though now three times! And each time we’ve participated we’ve been bigger and better than the time before.
It all started when the ever thoughtful Sam heard a local media advertisement in early January of ‘07 for THE PLUNGE. Recognizing that the Maryland Special Olympics was a great cause that offered unbelievable support to individuals with disabilities he immediately went to the web and set-up a team—Logan’s Heroes.
Sam and Katie’s outstanding network of friends and family responded and the support grew and grew and grew. Before we knew it we had raised over $50,000 with a group of nearly 40 plungers. As only Sam can do our fun “beach” event was organized to perfection—complete with a coach bus down to Sandy Point and a heated tent set up within a few (oh so many) frozen strides of the bay.
Now fast forward to June of this year and the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics at Towson University. Sitting in the stands with the families of the Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parents Group (and a great group of future special Olympians) and watching the excitement and anticipation of the athletes marching into the arena was overwhelming. Add a heartfelt “thank you” email from a colleague whose daughter had just won yet another gold medal made you realize what a difference Logan’s Heroes has helped to make in our community.
Thank you to all the Logan’s Heroes who have joined us over the last three years and have chosen to make a difference in the lives of so many well deserving athletes and their families.