The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Gives Wyoming Communities a Shot in the Arm, Literally

Popular annual event reinforces its commitment as the “race to immunize”

 Jackson, WY—“Thank you for giving this shot so I won’t get sick,” wrote Dillon from Evanston, one of the many children who received immunizations compliments of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR).  The race received numerous letters written on stationery —bedecked with flowers, kittens, and birdhouses—from children and families who received free vaccinations as the result of the race. 

Known as the “race to immunize” as part of its mission, the 11-year-old IPSSSDR, which mushes through Wyoming January 27 – February 4, 2006, has worked to promote the need to immunize children under the age of two.  But this year the race did more than promote the need for vaccinations, it helped fund vaccinations by contributing to nonprofit organizations in each of the host communities for the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race—Jackson, Lander, Pinedale, Alpine, Kemmerer, Uinta County and Park City.  

“The IPSSSDR wants to give back to the communities who have been so good to the race during the past ten years,” said Race Director Frank Teasley. “I asked each of our community chairpeople to decide where they’d like the money to go in their town.”  Chairpeople designated nonprofit organizations to receive the funds, and many of the communities chose to fund immunizations as well.

            Nonprofits who received a contribution from the race include the Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Campaign and El Puente Medical Translation Services, Lander Ambassadors, Fremont County Health Department, Sublette County Public Health, Lincoln County Public Health, Uinta County Community Youth Coalition—who vaccinated 80 children for influenza—and Park City Sunrise Rotary.

“I just wanted to thank you for providing free flu vaccines for my children,” wrote a mother from Mountain View. “What a surprise it was to go to the Public Health and they told me.  I couldn’t believe that someone had donated money for kids.  I have three small children and I was ready to pay.  Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, it was such a pleasant surprise.”

Beginning in October 2005, due to a conflict in how the state of Wyoming interpreted qualifications to receive free federally funded immunizations, some Wyoming people who had previously received free vaccines now have to pay.  “We want to stress the need for all children under the age of two to receive the proper immunizations,” said Teasley, “whether it is by spreading the word or by helping communities fund the vaccines.”

Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR.  The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by former Iditarod racer Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public and to promote the need to immunize children under the age of two. For more information, visit the race Website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com, or telephone at (307) 734-1163, or visit www.pedigree.com.

Media Contact: Darla Worden, 307.734.5335