'Punks' ready to jump in lake to help Cd'A girl with leukemia

Like to launch yourself into a new year by leaping into a frigid body of water?

Well, this year, you have options.

A new cold-water plunge will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. at Honeysuckle Beach in Hayden.

This chilly dip is a benefit for Serina Robles, a 6-year-old Coeur d'Alene girl who is battling leukemia.

"It's an opportunity for us to get crazy and start the year out by helping somebody," said Walter Pierowski, of Coeur d'Alene.

The fundraiser is being organized by local members of a national BMX race team sponsored by Punks for a Princess, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit that helps children in need.

Pierowski, one of the local race team members, explained that Punks for a Princess was created in memory of 7-year-old Kaitlyn Ferra, who died when her family's SUV was swept away in a flash flood in New Hampshire.

"She was such a sweet little girl who always thought of others first," Pierowski said.

Serina Robles, the little girl Thursday's plunge will help, just returned from Seattle where she underwent a bone marrow transplant. The proceeds from the plunge will help the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant Serina's wish to go to Disney World.

Punks for a Princess will be collecting donations on Thursday and a limited number of event T-shirts will be available for purchase.

"People are welcome to come join in," Pierowski said.

Info: www.p4pbmx.com.