HUMAN

Name: Louisa Paniptchuk

Age: 48

Residence: Unalakleet, Alaska

Occupation: House mom

Years involved with the Iditarod: Going on maybe three, four years.

Iditarod Roles: Volunteering here at the checkpoint, a volunteer cook helper in Unalakleet.

Current Location: Unalakleet, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 13, 2022

Temperature: 68F Indoors/ 9F Outdoors & Windy

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

I first became involved with Iditarod probably about three to four years ago when the late Middy Johnson had sent me a text and asked if I could come help him here at the checkpoint.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

I am here today and involved with Iditarod because one, the tradition keeps going because of the late Middy, and two, the current volunteer here, Nita Towarak, had sent me a text last night and told me, “Are you ready to volunteer tomorrow?” So, that’s why we’re here.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was one, getting to meet all the mushers, and two, just being in Middy’s presence because he always liked to joke and tease and make every day fun.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is there’ll always be hard times. You’ll always come across a bump in the road. You’ll always come across people that need your help, that need your friendship, that need your wise words if you have them. Always be kind to others and continue smiling.