24 hours for Hank

SANDPOINT - Registration is open for the fourth annual "24 Hours of Schweitzer," the all-day, all-night fundraiser held in honor of 5-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint, who has the rare, fatal disease Cystinosis that affects only 500 people nationwide.

Participants, volunteers and sponsors are needed for the March 30-31 round-the-clock ski relay, which is one of only three events like it in the country.

"24 Hours of Schweitzer" is a team relay for skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders that begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 30 and runs continuously through 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31. Participants raise pledges and see how many runs they can ski or ride in 24 hours.

Skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities from around the region are welcome as solo racers, three-member teams and four-member teams.

Teams will ski and ride on intermediate runs for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly, fundraising for Cystinosis research and Hank's future. Following the event is an auction and awards party that is open to the public.

"We welcome all participants; young and old, casual or serious, and there are many ways to get involved - start a team, join a team, participate for one hour, participate for 24 hours, ski during the day, or ski all night," said Brian Sturgis, Hank's dad and one of the event organizers. "Those that don't ski or board can pledge a participant, volunteer to help out at the event, attend the auction or even donate an auction item. There really is something for everyone, and every little bit helps our mission to find a cure for Hank and others suffering from this deadly disease."

During last year's event, more than 120 participants ranging in age from 4 to 69 completed a total of 9,561 runs in 24 hours, totaling 10,247,310 vertical feet.

The 2011 event - which featured record-breaking performances and even a midnight marriage proposal - raised $90,000, making it one of the most successful Cystinosis community fundraisers in the country.

The event benefits 24 Hours for Hank, a Sandpoint nonprofit established to raise money for Cystinosis research and treatment. Funds raised locally are contributed to the national Cystinosis Research Foundation to help find a cure for this extremely rare, genetic disease that slowly destroys every organ in the body including the kidneys, liver, eyes, muscles, thyroid and brain.

As a tie-in to Hank's love of super heroes, this year's theme is "Hank's Heroes: Mission Possible," which recognizes participants for their efforts and the progress being made in the quest for a cure.

"This event would not be possible without the remarkable dedication and ongoing contributions of our many friends and supporters, who are real heroes to Hank and our family," Sturgis said.

"Already, promising new Cystinosis treatments have been developed, funded 100 percent by donations like those raised through our Sandpoint events," Sturgis added. "Hank has benefited directly, currently taking part in clinical trials of an experimental delayed-release medication that has reduced debilitating side effects, improved his quality of life and enabled him to sleep through the night for the first time."

The entry fee for the ski event is $150 and includes a lift ticket, T-shirt and participation award, meals, equipment support, sleeping bag accommodations in Lakeview Lodge, and one ticket to the auction/awards party.

Participants are encouraged to dress in super-hero costume at the event finish, and fireworks will be set off at the top of each hour throughout the night.

Awards will recognize youngest and oldest participants, most runs skied by an individual and team, and top fundraiser. Three-time event winner Matt Gillis, who logged a record 202 runs or 201,582 vertical feet as a solo skier at last year's 24-hour fundraiser in Sandpoint, will attempt to break his record this year.

Following the ski event is a dinner and both silent and live auctions starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31 in the Caribou Room in Schweitzer's main lodge, which is open to the public.

The after-party will be held in Taps from 8:30 p.m. to midnight on March 31 in Schweitzer's main lodge. Auction tickets are $45 and available at www.24hoursofschweitzer.com.

Information: 610-2131 or vwww.24hoursofschweitzer.com