Boy, 3, not too young to support lupus fight
UNION DALE - Paul Rollenhagen couldn't think of a more appropriate time to introduce his 3-year-old son to the slopes.
Skiing for his close friend and the thousands of other people suffering from lupus disease, Mr. Rollenhagen helped his son, Kole, navigate the bunny hills at Elk Mountain Ski Resort in Susquehanna County on Sunday.
"This year we found out one of my good friends has lupus," said Mr. Rollenhagen, of Ashland, as he wrapped a ski harness around his son. "We want to do anything we can to help."
Hundreds of people hit the slopes Sunday for the 16th annual Ski for Lupus Day at Elk Mountain. Organized by the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania Pocono/Northeast branch, the event raises awareness and funds for people with the autoimmune disease.
One hundred fifty skiers or snowboarders purchased discounted lift tickets in advance. Others stopped at an information table in the ski lodge, where they donated money and grabbed informational brochures.
"It's always a popular event because it's supporting a great cause," organizer Sarah Piccini said. "Funding for our foundation comes mostly from fundraisers. This is our biggest fundraiser in the winter."
Lupus is chronic, inflammatory disease in which an individual's immune system attacks the body's healthy tissue. It can cause severe damage to a person's skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart and brain, Ms. Piccini said.
As he strapped himself into his sit-ski Sunday, Lonnie Thorpe of Waymart said he wouldn't miss a chance to support a local organization - and more importantly, the people suffering from lupus.
Because he is a season pass holder at Elk Mountain, Mr. Thorpe didn't purchase the discounted lift-tickets. Instead, he wheeled into the ski lodge and made a donation.
"I know the importance of support," said Mr. Thorpe, who was involved in a car crash about 17 years ago that left him paralyzed from the waist down. "Even the smallest donations can make a difference."
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter