The Princess and the Polar Plunge

On Oct. 23 a senior Havre Police Department patrol officer came into the Havre Daily News office and nominated me to participate in the Sub-Zero Super-Hero Polar Plunge.

Having recently moved from sunny California, I had yet to experience any form of freezing weather, let alone being engulfed by ice-cold water. What was I thinking?

Nonetheless, I accepted the challenge. I felt really passionate about the cause it supported, Special Olympics–Montana. These athletes have persevered through life's challenges with courage and a smile.

The day of the Polar Plunge

Saturday, I was both excited and nervous. What kept me going was knowing that this event raised money for a good cause. In a little over two weeks, I raised $500.

I dressed up as a princess superhero - which included a tiara, pink mask and angel wings. I have never had so many people do a double-take as they did when walking past me.

A crowd started to form around the tank, and this started to feel even more real.

As my team was announced to go up to the platform, my heart began to beat rapidly. John Paul Schmidt and I stood for a moment, gazed down at the iced-filled water and paused. I then counted.

"1, 2, 3 - GO!"

Right after I leaped into the icy water, my entire body seized up. I have never experienced being that cold in my life. Everything was a blur. All I remember was shouting, "How do I get out of here?!" I am almost certain I heard someone say, "Use your wings!"

The next thing I knew, I was outside of the tank. I definitely had an adrenaline rush.

After the Jump

After I was out of the tank, I raced to the changing room, dried off and put on some warm clothes. It was there that I was able to process what had just happened. I raised money for Special Olympics–Montana, all while having the time of my life.

It was such an amazing experience, and I was definitely freezin' for a reason.

(Tori Thomasa is a reporter for the Havre Daily News. She can be reached at 265-6795, ext. 16, or at [email protected].)