HUMAN

Name: Kathie Bollenbach

Age: 58

Residence: Edenton, North Carolina.

Occupation:  Emergency room physician 

Years involved with Iditarod: 12

Iditarod role: I’m here as a supporter of my friends

Current Location: McGrath, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 13, 2020
Temperature: -6F/Outdoors

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I got involved with Iditarod a little over two years ago when my friend married a woman who was mushing and she raced last year; Blair Braverman raced last year. And he raced this year and I had to come here and join in the excitement and see it for myself.

What is your Why?..Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?

I am here today and involved with Iditarod because I have a very good friend who’s racing and I’m very excited for him. And I also, because of so much bad press about the dogs and the treatment of the dogs, I had to see for myself that it wasn’t true. And I’ve proved it to myself. I’ve never seen happier, healthier, more excited dogs.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences?

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was being about six miles out from the start in Willow and as all of the teams were crossing the lake, we were six or eight feet from the teams as they went past. And I was able to get great photos and high five the mushers. And the dogs were excited and happy,d the mushers were excited and it was just great fun.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that life is short and this is not a dress rehearsal.