Press Releases

Press Contact : Aimee Lesatz
Iron Pearl Kennels
Telephone: 630-942-0304
Email: mushing@ironpearlkennels.com

Chicago, IL (September, 2009) – Thomas Lesatz, Iron Pearl Kennel’s 2010 Iditarod Dog Sledding Musher, announces today that it will partner with Neurofibromatosis (NF, Inc), to raise awareness and funds for NF. Neurofibromatos is a genetic disorder of the nervous system, causing tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. NF is a progressive disorder, which affects all races and both sexes equally. Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is estimated to occur in 1 of 2,500 births and symptoms may include: tumor growth, facial disfigurement, cancer, learning disabilities, bone deformities, healing loss, epilepsy and blindness. NF, Inc., a non-profit organization, is a national network serving neurofibromatosis families affected by NF and is dedicated to supporting education of individuals, healthcare providers, and medical research. For more information about Neurofibromatosis, visit www.nfinc.org.

Originally from Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago, IL, Tom Lesatz moved to Alaska in 2000 to handle sled dogs for 5-time Iditarod Champion, Rick Swenson. While growing up, Tom was diagnosed with NF, however it never changed his dream of owning his own kennel, building a log cabin and racing in the Iditarod. In 2004 after deciding to make Alaska his permanent home, he partnered with Jessica Hendricks, 2003 Iditarod’s Rookie of the Year. Together they have spent the last 5 years building Iron Pearl Kennels. Tom built their home from the logs he cleared on their 100-acre farm just outside Fairbanks in Two Rivers, AK. Today they currently have 60+ race dogs ranging in age. All of the dogs have been raised or trained by Tom and Jessica, making them competitors that they trust, understand and count on. During the off-season, Tom works as a Wild Land Fire Fighter for Alaska’s Division of Forestry. In March of 2007, Tom finally made it to 4th Street in Anchorage for Iditarod. With the help from his family and friends, he hopes to make it back again this coming March 2010 to race in his second Iditarod.

Sponsorship is critical to Tom and Iron Pearl Kennel’s success. This year the entry fee alone for the Iditarod is $4,500, with additional expenses exceeding over $10,000. Expenses include things like preparing “drop bags” or supplies for both Tom and the dogs, traveling to and from the race, and more. In 2007, when Tom raced his first Iditarod, Tom’s family helped a great deal in these expenses by selling t-shirts with the phrase “Chasing a Dream”. This year, they will be selling t-shirts again available on Tom’s website (ironpearlkennels.com), but they are also looking for some additional corporate sponsorship. “Our goal is to raise enough money to cover Tom’s expenses to race in the Iditarod and also raise funds and create awareness for NF,” says Aimee Lesatz, Tom’s Sister and Fundraising Director. “This year for every t-shirt sold, we will be donating part of the proceeds to NF, Inc. We are spending a great deal of time fundraising for the race and we want to be able to give back to a cause that is close to our hearts. When Tom was in grade school, he was diagnosed with NF. Although, our family has not been greatly affected by this disease, there is always the uncertainty that NF related problems could occur at any time. There are a great number of families out there that have been affected by this disorder, and NF, Inc. is the organization that offers support to these families. Each year, the Iditarod race gets more and more media attention. This is a great opportunity to not only give back, but to also to help raise awareness of this disorder.”

Thomas Lesatz and Iron Pearl Kennels encourages and appreciates the involvement of the business community in the quest to make it to the Iditarod by purchasing t-shirts or participation in the Corporate Sponsorship Program. Through this innovative program, corporations have a choice of five different levels of sponsorship ranging from $2500 to $1, with each level offering incremental promotional benefits. All sponsors will be acknowledged on the IPK website and at race banquets. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to advertise their business with promotional items if they choose for distribution. Donations to Iron Pearl Kennels are not tax-deductible.

For more information, regarding Tom Lesatz and Iron Pearl Kennels, or to obtain a sponsorship packet, please contact Aimee Lesatz by phone at (630) 942-0304, by email at mushing@ironpearlkennels.com or visit Tom’s website at www.ironpearlkennels.com.