USBSF expresses gratitude to charities

For the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF) giving thanks means giving back to a few significant charitable organizations. USBSF is recognizing and expressing gratitude to a few organizations that have had a particular impact on the lives of athletes, coaches and staff by placing their logos on the 2009-2010 World Cup sleds.

The charities they are recognizing are: the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Seattle Children's Hospital.

"The Team has defined itself with its willingness to give back," said Darrin Steele, the CEO of USBSF. "The USBSF spends a great deal of time asking for support in order to sustain our organization. These athletes have reminded us that we also have the means and the responsibility to give back to those organizations that have special meaning to our federation. We are honored to support these causes and we are very proud of the spirit of giving that our athletes, coaches and staff members have demonstrated in supporting this program."

Bobsled pilot John Napier and two-time World Cup skeleton champion Katie Uhlaender know first-hand the tragedy of cancer. Napier's father, William, died of cancer in June 2005. He was a bobsledder and former president of the USBSF and was recognized in the USBSF Hall of Fame. Uhlaender's father, Major League Baseball outfielder and coach Ted Uhlaender, lost his battle with multiple myeloma in February 2009.

"Autism Speaks has been instrumental in increasing the recognition of autism spectrum disorders by fundraising for research and by advocating for individuals with this disorder," said bobsled push athlete Steve Langton, whose younger cousin was diagnosed with autism. "I am proud and privileged to be a member of an organization which so readily offers its support to this well deserved cause. I know first hand the trials, tribulations and joys of having a family member with this growing condition."

Emily Azevedo, a women's bobsled push athlete whose mother is a 25-year survivor of breast cancer sees a special connection to this charitable gesture. The National Breast Cancer Foundation is being recognized in honor of Azavedo's mother and other past, present and future fighters of breast cancer.

"My mother has since dedicated her life to breast cancer awareness and advocating early detection," Azevedo said. "For as long as I can remember, October marks a house full of pink ribbons. I am sure my mother has saved many lives by raising awareness and my hope is the recognition on our Bodyn bobsleds will help save many more."

Noelle Pikus-Pace, an Olympic hopeful in skeleton, is connected with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Pikus-Pace's nephew who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 3.

"This is a great foundation, and every dollar raised helps their cause," Pikus-Pace said. "My nephew has a lifelong battle with diabetes, and it's a good cause to support."

USBSF Marketing and Communications Manager, Amanda Bird, supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a result of her 2-year old niece's leukemia diagnosis this past July.

"My little niece has been a warrior while fighting such an aggressive disease," Bird said. "Our family has bonded together to help LLS raise awareness and fund for research to help eliminate this disease so that other families never have to experience this of kind of hardship. I am proud to work for an organization that is willing to serve so many wonderful causes. I'm fortunate not only to work for a group to top ranked athletes in the world, but I work for a group of wonderful people that want to give back to the communities that support them. I'm incredibly grateful to have their support for a cause os close to my own heart."

Make-A-Wish Foundation is an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Curt Tomasevicz, a push athlete on Steven Holcomb's four-man bobsled 2009 World Championship team, helped grant a child's wish to play football at the University of Nebraska.

"I've seen the joy and happiness that Make-A-Wish can bring to a family in times of great despair," said Tomasevicz. "When a child is facing an illness or disability, a moment of relief experienced through a vacation, a meeting with a hero, or receiving a present can provide a lifelong smile. It gives a child and their family a chance to live out an otherwise improbable dream."

Valerie Fleming, an Olympic silver medalist in bobsled, whose aunt and three cousins have muscular dystrophy, can bear witness to the strength it takes to endure such a disease.

"It's incredibly inspirational to see how my aunt and her children live with this disease," Fleming said. "Our family relies on the support that MDA provides and it's great to have the opportunity to promote their mission my sport. I hope we can help spread the word to raise awareness for these diseases."

Women's bobsled pilot Bree Shaaf helps with Seattle Children's Hospital's annual Stanley Stamm Summer Camp which gives children with serious illnesses the opportunity to participate in typical summer camp activities.

"Not only is it the most inspirational week I experience every year, but hands down the most fun," Schaaf said. "From kids' truly unique senses of humor to their awe inspiring fortitude when it comes to dealing with the hand they're dealt, it's impossible not to have the time of your life when you are helping special needs kids have the time of theirs. It means so much to me to recognize this cause on my sled."

These bobsled and skeleton athletes and national governing body staff members are doing their part to garner more recognition and support for the causes and also help inform the public about the diseases themselves.

As the nation celebrates Thanksgiving, the USBSF is showing its thanks.

Tags: Amanda Bird, American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, Bree Shaaf , Curt Tomasevicz, Darrin Steele, Emily Azevedo, John Napier , Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Katie Uhlaender, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Noelle Pikus-Pace, Seattle Children's Hospital, Stanley Stamm Summer Camp, Steve Langton, Steven Holcomb, Taylor Carlson, Ted Uhlaender, US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, USBSF, Valerie Fleming