1 Home Being born legally blind didn't stop Rachael Scdoris from becoming her high school track team captain, a Winter Olympics torchbearer and a nationally known sled dog racer. The 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is underway. Visit here often for updates on Rachael's progress in the race.
2 About 14 Beautiful Baby Feb. 1, 1985, Bend, Oregon - Rachael is born. Parents Jerry and Lisa quickly realize the baby has vision problems. The family learns Rachael has a rare disease (congenital achromatopsia) making her nearsighted, farsighted and colorblind. Rachael does not accept her doctor's prediction that her life will be limited by her blindness. As a young child, she decides to ignore the naysayers and follow her dreams.
15 Kennel Playground Summer 1986 Bend, Oregon - Although she has only recently learned to walk, Rachael already prefers playing around the kennel with the puppies to staying in the house. Her favorite thing in life is already the dogs. Rachael's father, Jerry, will carry Rachael on his sled, or tow her on her own sled, but won't allow the vision-impaired youngster to ride solo for another decade. 16 Maiden Voyage December 1996, Bend, Oregon - Rachael, 11, has been "mushing" (dog sledding), pulled behind her father and his team on her own little sled since her toddler days. This month, Jerry Scdoris and kennel manager Dave Sims give in to Rachael's frequent requests and let her embark on her first solo ride. Two veteran Iditarod "leader" sled dogs - Coyote and Shane - give her the ride of her life, down the fairly steep, one-mile Kid's Trail. From that day forward, Rachael drives her dog teams solo, thank you. 17 First Race February 1997, Mt. Hood, Oregon - At 12, Rachael competes in the thee-dog novice division of the two-day Frog Lake Race. She finishes fourth in her division. Rachael has not only finished her first dog sled event, she's done quite well. Afterwards, she becomes the regular champion of the four-dog novice class races at Frog Lake, Chemult and Diamond Lake and dreams of the Iditarod. 18 Olympic Glory July 2000, Sacramento, California - Rachael has garnered national press for accomplishments in cross-country, track and dog sledding. The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes invites her to compete in an exhibition 400-meter race in the Olympic Trials. Though she is a distance runner, not a sprinter, Rachael takes third to win the bronze. She later meets Marla Runyan, the first legally blind athlete to run an Olympic 1,500-meters final. She encourages Rachael to ignore detractors and never give up on her Iditarod dreams. 19 Honor Thy Father January-February 2001, Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Rachael competes in the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. Years earlier she had promised herself some day she would finish the race for her dad, who pulled out in '97 after a series of setbacks. Rachael celebrates her 16th birthday on the trail in Wyoming and becomes the youngest musher - and the first blind person - to finish a 500-mile sled dog race.
20 Meeting Cold Reality September 2003, Anchorage, Alaska - After the Iditarod Trail Committee board of directors turns down (for the second consecutive year) Rachael's request for special accommodations that would allow her to safely compete in the "Super Bowl of Sled Dog Racing," Rachael travels to Alaska to meet the directors face-to-face. This time around the board votes unanimously to let Rachael race with a radio-enabled "visual interpreter" running ahead of her with a second team of dogs - if she can meet race requirements in some punishing qualification warm-ups. 21 Qualified in Style February-March 2004 - Rachael completes two of the most grueling Iditarod qualifying races. She finishes 11th in the 350-mile Race to the Sky in Montana (in February) and 6th in the 400-mile John Beargrease Mid-Distance Marathon in Minnesota (March). Now Rachael is preparing for the greatest test of her life thus far - the Iditarod! 80 The Atta Boy 300 January 2005, Central Oregon - Rachael finishes 18th overall in the Atta Boy 300 World Cup, despite a dramatic head-over-heels roll that she deems the most fun she's ever had on a dog sled. Check out News & Articles for a day-by-day account of the action from the race course.

22 Bring on the Iditarod March 2005, Alaska - Check back soon for updates on Rachael's competition in the 1,131-mile race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. "Some call my blindness a disability. To me, 'disabled' means 'unable.' I am by no means unable."
In her 20 short years, Rachael Scdoris has overcome many obstacles with grace to become a national inspiration. Follow the exciting story of her life by clicking on the pictures below.
3 Competitions 90 Attaboy 300 Rachael finished 18th overall in this year's Atta Boy 300 World Cup, despite a dramatic head-over-heels roll that she deemed the most fun she's ever had on a dog sled. In a remarkable come-from-behind victory, Buddy Streeper took first place, while Argentina's Hernan Maquieira snatched second place by just 22 seconds from Melanie Shirilla. A host of international mushers rounded out the race. Check out News & Articles for a day-by-day account of the action from the race course.

Also known as the Race for Vision, the Atta Boy 300 raised $40,000 in the name of promoting ophthalmology research and the advancement and acceptance of visually impaired individuals in a sighted world. Nearly 200 eye exams were conducted during the eight days of racing and 200 pairs of glasses were provided to needy individuals in the community. 110 Tustamena 200 The Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race began in 1984 as a way for Tim Osmar, son of race founder and Iditarod champion Dean Osmar, to get enough racing miles to qualify for the Junior Iditarod. It remained mainly a little, local race until 1994, when a race association was formed. Since then the T-200 has made a quantum leap, developing a reputation as one of the best Iditarod qualifiers around and attracting mushers from around the globe.

The race operates on rules very similar to the Iditarod, with similar equipment requirements, rules for dropping dogs and a continuous format instead of being run in daily stages like the Atta Boy. That makes it a great opportunity for Rachael to test herself and her team in their first Alaskan race.

Sisters, Oregon

91 The Iditarod The Iditarod Trail International Sled Dog Race is the world's longest sled dog race, an odyssey stretching across 1,131-miles of arctic Alaskan interior from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and their dogs endure freezing temperatures and sleepless nights, while covering some of the most brutal terrain on earth. The race is a celebration of Alaska's frontier spirit, its native culture and, most of all, its loyal and courageous working dogs.

The race began in its current format in 1973 after a group of dog mushers and historians - led by Joe Redington, Sr. - opened up most of an old mail and supply route called the Iditarod Trail. The race pays tribute to the heroic Serum Run of 1925 over this trail, when 18 mushers and their sled dog teams relayed a shipment of diphtheria vaccine 674 miles to Nome to save the isolated town from a deadly epidemic.

Over the decades the Iditarod has attracted a cast of inspirational characters and seen its share of firsts. In the mid-1980s Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the event, and Susan Butcher, who won the race four times, inspired a generation of girls like Rachael Scdoris to see the possibilities and dream of conquering "The Last Great Race on Earth." As a high-school distance runner, Rachael earned varsity letters in cross-country and track, and was ranked nationally in the 1,500 and 3,000 meters. At 15, she was the youngest athlete to complete a 500-mile sled dog race. Check back often to follow Rachael's progress in the 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. 4 Cheer Her On 81 Admiration for Rachael 12/6 I want to say I admire your perseverance and strength in doing something you love. My sister-in-law has 20/200 vision (nearsighted) which is corrected in a large degree with contacts and glasses. I only have a faint idea of your situation, but what I do know, makes me admire you even more. I wish you the best of luck, peace and strength in your future endeavors.

Curt H.
Portland, Oregon 82 Fly, Rachael, Fly! 12/7 RACHAEL...

Go out there and show them what you are made of. Nothing should ever stop you from living your dreams. And stomping the pants off the boys (men)!!!!.... Just remember we are all angels, so FLY RACHAEL FLY !!!!!

Jessica W.
Portland, Oregon 83 Cheers from Georgia 12/8 Rachael,

I'm an employee with The Standard. I'm based in Atlanta, GA, and was at your website. I just wanted you to know that you are such an inspiration to us all. Thank you for that. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.

Best wishes,

Ben S.
Atlanta, Georgia 84 Former Alaskan Loves Racing 12/9 Dear Rachael,

I wanted to let you know that I was very excited to learn of your sponsorship by my company, Standard Insurance. I was born and raised in Alaska and am probably one of the few Oregonians who is knowledgeable about the history of the Iditarod. My sister is often a dog handler for the race so maybe you'll run into her. I can't imagine the challenges ahead for you as you hit the trail; every year is different and from what I hear this could be a large snow year, which would slow the pace. Do you think this will play to your strengths? I hope you finish and don't have too many problems during the race.

Finally, I have read about you and your dad, what with his starting the Attaboy 300 in Bend, and wanted to let you know that you make me feel proud of you even though I have never met you. I admire your desire to achieve your goals and your resolve to do your best. I will be following the race closely and will, of course, be rooting you on!

Regards,

Roderick C.
Portland, Oregon 85 Australian Woman Wishes Luck 12/16 Greetings Rachael!

I am from Australia and my husband runs our Siberian Huskies in a sweet little snow race once yearly (6km. Best we can get here in this hot country). I mostly help with the dogs as their speed scares me.

Good luck with your racing this year.

Jennie L.
Victoria, Australia 86 Merry Christmas from Clackamas 12/19 Hi Rachael,

You don't know me, but my name is Phil, and I'm an employee at Standard Insurance. I was in the audience when you spoke to Greg a few weeks ago. Several coworkers I've talked to are very excited about the company deciding to sponsor you. We think it's a great idea.

Anyway, I didn't have much to say, except to wish you and your family (including the dogs, of course) a very Merry Christmas. Know that hundreds of our employees are cheering you on, and that we will be following your progress between now and the Iditarod.

Wishing you all the best,
Phil D.
Clackamas, Oregon 92 Dec. 28, 2004 12/28 Insurance Broker Inspired by Rachael Hi Rachael, I work with Standard Insurance Company at a brokerage in Las Vegas. I was on their website looking for some stuff when I saw the sponsorship link about you. I perused your website and felt obligated to write to you. I am very impressed by your determination and what must be your ability to overcome fear. Fear has been one of the greatest obstacles in my life and reading about you, your accomplishments and your goals was inspiring. I'm sure hearing that is old hat to you, but it is how I feel. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,
Aaron O.

Las Vegas, Nevada 94 Jan. 1, 2005 1/1 Thanks for the Great Ride! Hey Rachael!!

My name is Grace and you took me and my family on a dog-sled ride. It was awesome! I am 11 years old. I think it was very fun because you took us on New Year's Day! I am so exited for you! I can't wait to see how you do in the race! Hope you win! Me, my little brother, my mom, and my dad went. I loved it so much! Thank you for taking us!

Sincerely,
Grace B.
Indiana 95 Jan. 2, 2005 1/2 Special Connection in Cleveland Hi Rachael! You don't know me, but I read about you in the newspaper and you caught my attention. It was your vision problem that drew my attention and how you overcame it. I have a vision problem that is almost the same as yours. I am totally color blind, nearsighted and light sensitive. I am only 15 right now and I am a sophomore at Mayfield High School. I have worked to over come my vision problem through school and have earned good grades, but I still encounter problems everyday.

Anyway I just wanted to let you know that there is someone else out there that is going through the same thing that you are because you are the first person that I have heard of that is like me. I think it is awesome that you have put your disability aside and have accomplished so much. I hope that you do very well in your upcoming race and I am cheering for you.

Good Luck Rachael!!!!

Jackie S.
Cleveland, Ohio 96 Jan. 4, 2005 1/4 South African Musher Says Thanks Hi Rachael,

Thank you for everything. You are such an inspiration and Role Model in life. I wish more people would have the pleasure of meeting you and working with you and your father to experience what I have experienced the couple of days we've been here in Bend. Keep it up Girl. You are doing a great job.

Thanks for the warm-hearted welcome you gave us and the way you make us feel special.

THANKS,

Christo S.
South Africa 97 Jan. 5, 2005 1/5 Proud of Rachael in Portland Hi, Rachael,

I'm a Standard employee and I'm very, very proud of our company for sponsoring you in your dream of winning the Iditarod.

It really hit home because my granddaughter is also legally blind. When you held the two way radio presented to you at the employee meeting up close to look at it, you reminded my so much of her.

My granddaughter has very limited vision, but she can read if she holds the book 3-5 inches away (like you did with the two way radio) or if she uses magnifying equipment. Also like you, she doesn't use her cane. She also fights learning Braille because it sets her apart. She is 11 and rides a bike, rides an ATV on the sand dunes in Florence, and loves horseback riding. We sent her to "horse camp" this last summer. I'll be sure to tell my granddaughter about you when she comes over this weekend. Maybe we can look you up on the web.

Again, I'm proud of our company and I'm proud of you for continuing to follow your dreams.

Dixie P.
Portland, Oregon 98 Jan. 7, 2005 1/7 Good Luck from Prineville Hi Rachael,

My name is Karson, and I will be 11 years old in March. I am in the 5th grade at Cecil Sly Elementary School. I like to snowboard and have taken lessons at Whistler BC. I have had really cool teachers there and have had lots of fun. Being a dog musher seems like a very fun and interesting sport. I would like to try it some day.

We have been learning about you in school and I would like to come and see you race. You are a very brave person and have outstanding goals.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you race in your upcoming events.

Good Luck Rachael,

Karson A.
Prineville, Oregon 99 Jan. 11, 2005 1/11 A Young Fan in Portland Hi Rachael!

My name is Devon and I am 12 years old. You don't know me but you know my aunt. Her name is Michelle. Anyway, I got your book for Christmas and I love it!!! You are such an inspiration to me. You are awesome! I loved reading about your performance in the Olympics trials! I love dogs and racing too. You got me into it! I also saw you in the Atta Boy 300 this weekend. It was awesome! I was in Bend for a ski trip and to see you take off. Unfortunately, my mom wouldn't let me stay for the rest, because I had to go back to school.

I just think you are really cool and would soooo totally appreciate a response but I understand that you probably don't have time. But if you get around to it I would LOVE that!!! Good luck!!!

Devon H.
Portland, Oregon
104 Jan. 16, 2005 1/16 Music Tips from Kansas

Rachael,

I saw the article about you in the latest issue of Outside magazine and was so amazed by your quest! I've long been fascinated by the dog sled racing (dog sledding? sled racing? I don't even know what those "in the know" call it!). I love both dogs and ultra-endurance events, and have always thought your sport was absolutely amazing! Unfortunately, living in snow-less Kansas, I don't have much (ok, any) opportunity to give it a try. So instead, I will live vicariously through you!

I was reading your journal on your website and saw your post about the music on your iPod and had to offer another suggestion. I compete in Ironman-distance triathlons and my absolute favorite song for training is "Adrenaline" by Bush (or maybe just Gavin Rossdale?)... its perfect for Ironman, and I'd imagine, pretty great for anything longer and crazier! Kind of like Bring Me to Life (my second favorite training song), but way WAY better!

Anyway, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck! I know that in my sport there are all sorts of people with all sorts of disabilities that have been very, very successful, and have inspired me so much along the way! Kick some ass out there girly!

Jennifer D.
Lawrence, Kansas





105 Jan. 17, 2005 1/17 Encouragement from Springfield
I just finished "No End in Sight". I have a granddaughter who is 12 with the same vision problem you have and is experiencing some of the difficulties at school that you experienced. I am mailing the book to her. I also am a big fan of the Iditarod and will be watching you as much as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Sherry D.
Springfield, Oregon



106 Jan. 19, 2005 1/19 Wisconsin Fan Wishes Rachael Well
Rachael,

I have several close friends here that sled, and I know of several local women that have done the Iditarod. I am in awe of your desire to do this race and I hope you do well!

Paul W.
Wisconsin
107 Jan. 21, 2005 1/21 My Dogs Just Don't Compare
Dear Rachael,

My mom and sisters and I have taken a dog sled ride from your dad and we are going to try to do it again in two weeks. I hope you will be there so I can meet you.

I am 9 years old and I have 3 dogs but I don't think they could pull a sled, because the pug is too small and the golden retrievers are old and fat. Your dogs must love you very much to work so hard.

I think you are very brave to spend 11 days in the woods. I hope you finish the race. I am proud of you just for getting in.

Anna B.
Oregon

108 Jan. 23, 2005 1/23 Good Luck; Thanks for Signing My Book
Hi Rachael,

Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and wishing you the best. We are so proud of you! What an exciting adventure! We will be watching to see how you are doing.

Again, best of wishes and have a great time!

Gary and Bobbie B.
Alfalfa, Oregon

P.S.
Thank you for signing my book that my husband got me for Christmas!


109 Jan. 24, 2005 1/24 Great Job in the Atta Boy
Rachael,

I just wanted to congratulate you on a job will done in the Atta Boy 300. Did you have fun, or was it very intense and stressful?

18th is great, that is going to give you great momentum for the upcoming Iditarod. Well, wishing you the best!

Sincerely,

Alejandro A.
Portland, Oregon


111 Jan. 25, 2005 1/25 Marine Sends Best Wishes
Hi Rachael.

I am A U.S. Marine stationed in North Carolina, but grew up and whent to high school in Sisters. I met you at a youth group in Redmond while we were in high school. I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming Iditarod race! You have done a lot of great things and I hope that you do well with the Iditarod.

Good Luck!

Jake M.
Sisters, Oregon


112 Jan. 20, 2005 1/20 Thanks for the Autograph
Hi Rachael,

I met you on Saturday morning at Mt. Bachelor at the Attaboy 300. I was the one talking to Libby Riddles on line at the snackbar. (You and Libby autographed my newspaper flyer).

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I and several friends will be cheering you on every step of the way, come March. It was a very special moment meeting you and if a major miracle happens I may actually fly up to witness the start of the Iditarod.

Wrapped in hope and good intentions,
George E.
Portland, Oregon
113 Jan. 26, 2005 1/26 Our Prayers Are with You in Connecticut
Hello Rachael.

I learned about you from a very good friend of mine, Heidi, who works at Standard Insurance Co. and I've just finished perusing your website.

WOW, you are one brave young lady and, I imagine, wise beyond your years. I have to admit that I am a huge NASCAR fan, but the Iditarod has always held a place in my heart as the ultimate race on Earth any place, any time. Human beings and a girls 'real' best friends depending upon each other, literally for survival itself.

I'm 41 and have 2 children aged 11 and 13, so I know what it means to worry about safety and well being. I can't imagine what your parents are thinking but their faith in you is extraordinary! I want to wish you God's speed on this amazing race as you forge your own remarkable place in history. Our entire family will be praying for and cheering you on.

You Mush Girl :)

WARM Regards;
Ted L.
Connecticut
117 Jan. 27, 2005 1/27 Headed for Anchorage
Rachael,

You should be so excited and proud! I will be at the start in Anchorage on March 5th and will be cheering for you.

My Best,

Jim
Portland, Oregon

1/27
118 Jan. 28, 2005 1/28 Fan Predicts Top 10 Finish for Rachael
Dear Rachael Scdoris,

Hi, I am doing a thing about Mushers in my class where we follow them through the race of the Iditarod. I picked you to follow because I think you are going to be in the top 10. We are studying this race in science, math, language arts, and social studies.

I am 13 years old, and I like playing basketball and other sports. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

After the race is done I am going to make a scrap book and send it to you.
If you have a paragraph about your dogs or something that will be very nice if you could send it to me.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Becky S.
Greenfield, Wisconsin
119 Jan. 29, 2005 1/29 All the way from Louisiana
Rachael,

MY HUSBAND, SON, AND I WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU IN NOME!!!!
WE LIVE IN LOUISIANA AND WILL BE IN NOME FOR YOUR FINISH.
HOPE TO MEET YOU AND GET YOUR AUTOGRAPH! GOOD LUCK!

Melissa A.
Louisiana
120 Feb. 1, 2005 2/1 Good Luck and Thank You
Dear Rachael,

I just wanted to wish you the best for the Iditarod race. You are an inspiration to many disabled folks in Alaska, and for us...as parents of a disabled teenager you're a role model for what can be accomplished when you have a goal and don't let all the people who say you can't do it bring you down.

If there is anything you need while you are in Alaska, please contact us. We would be happy to help in any way.

God Bless You,

Robin H.
Wasilla, Alaska
121 Feb. 1, 2005 2/1 Insurance Broker Inspired by Rachael
Rachael,

I am an Insurance Broker doing business with Standard Insurance Company. I received an email from a friend/employee of The Standard and decided to check your website. I don't know anything about sledding, but have now become very interested.

When asked who I admire in life, I do not refer to movie stars or "well knowns." The ones I admire the most are people just like you! I do everything I can to surround myself with such inspiration and will be checking your website regularly. Good luck and thank you! I will keep you in my prayers.

Steve T.
Oklahoma
122 Feb. 2, 2005 2/2 Fellow Musher Sends Encouragement
Hi Rachael!

This is Erin M. I am a dogsledder also. I am into mid-distance right now and I am so excited about this weekend because it is my first race so far this winter.

You are awesome!
Mush on!
Believe in yourself!

Erin M.
125 Feb. 3, 2005 2/3 Great Job in the T-200
Rachael,

Congratulations on finishing, the Tustumena 200, your first race in Alaska. Our whole family is rooting for you and will keep an eye on your very cool website for more updates.

Keep on going, and never look back. We know you can do whatever you put your mind to. You're great!

Polly R.
201 Feb. 5, 2005 2/5 Hometown Fans Thinking of Rachael
Rachael,

We are watching for any little article in the paper. There was one the other day about your first Alaska race.
We are proud of what you are accomlplishing and I think of you daily. I am finally reading your book, and tell your dad I admire him even more now.

Glenn and I send our love and prayers to you. Keep up the great work. Luv Claudia.

Claudia G.
Alfalfa, Oregon
202 Feb. 7, 2005 2/7 Greetings from NYC
Rachael:

I read about your story and am very interested. I have two daughters with achromatopsia. The older is 15 and the younger is 12. Both are very active and vibrant kids. They love winter sports, like skiing. My oldest is a bit of a track star in her high school. I think they would enjoy speaking with you personally for some encouragement, etc. You are certainly a great example of how people with disabilities are not always disabled. Would you be willing to talk with them?

Also, are you aware of the Achromatopsia Network. It is run by a social worker out of Berekely, California, who has the condition. Its about 200 people either with the condition or parents of kids with it. You would certainly be front page news on their monthly newsletter.

Finally, I am very knowledgeable about various optical aids like tinted contact lenses and this sports visor thing called a DiGi which really helped my kids. If you are interested, feel free to contact me.

Best of luck in the race. It is always refreshing to read about someone with the same exact medical condition (which is so rare to begin with) that does something truly extraordinary even when compared to normal sighted people. You should be very proud of yourself.

Look forward to hearing from you.

David Z.
New York, New York
203 Feb. 9, 2005 2/9 Georgia School Kids Cheer Rachael
Dear Rachael,

Our class has picked you to follow during the race. We are a class of 22 first grade students.

Here in Georgia we do not see snow very often.

We picked you because we read your story and think you are very brave. (The kids also think you are beautiful!)
We look forward to the beginning of the race. Good Luck!

Mrs. Mitchell and Her First Grade Class
Conyers, Georgia
204 Feb. 9, 2005 2/9 What's Your Favorite Snack, Rachael?
Rachael,

I will be at Rainy Pass Lodge March 7-8-9. Tell me your favorite snack and I'll bring one out to you.

I live at Crooked River Ranch.

This is one of my life dreams, too. Hope to see you there.

Peggy M.
205 Feb. 10, 2005 2/10 Rooting for Rachael and Paulsen
Hi Rachael,

I was going over the mushers for the Iditarod when I stumbled on you. Rock on sister! I am impressed, and not easily so.

I will be rooting for you this year, along with Gary Paulsen (my favorite writer)! So go and ride well!
Godspeed my friend.

Kale D.
206 Feb. 10, 2005 2/10 Cheering for Rachael
Rachael,

I really admire your determination. I hope that you get a really good position in the Iditarod because I think you really deserve it.

P.S. I'm cheering for you!

Michelle M.
207 Feb. 11, 2005 2/11 Questions and Cheers from Wisconsin
Hi Rachael,

We are the 1st Grade class from St. Frances Cabrini Elementary School in Wisconsin, and we wanted to let you know that we will be cheering you on during the Iditarod race.

We are learning about you during our library time, and will be tracking your progress througout the race. We think you are an amazing person, and we look up to you very much.
We are even having our own little Iditarod race in March! We are very excited.

We have a few questions to ask you and hope that you can answer some of them when you have time. We know you must be very busy with the race coming up.

Now that you know that we are learning about dog sledding in school, we were wondering how you got interested in it?
A few questions we have are about your dogs: How many do you race at a time, and have you had them since they were puppies? Do they all have to be huskies to race in the Iditarod? How do you come up with their names, and what makes a good lead dog? We have seen the dog booties that they wear on their feet, but we are not sure what they are made out of. Does it ever just get too cold for the dogs?

Even though we live in Wisconsin, a problem we are facing with our race is that there might not be enough snow on the ground for our dog sled. What happens if there isn't enough snow on the ground? Even worse, what happens when there is a blizzard? Does the weather change how fast the dogs/dog sled can go?

The last few questions we have are about your dogsledding experiences. What kind of clothes do you wear to make sure you stay really warm, and what are checkpoints like for sleeping? Do you rely more on your other senses since you can't see? Lastly, how did you get so much courage to race and is anyone going to help you since you can't see the trail. Again, we wish you good luck and hope everything goes great!

Your Friends,
The St. Frances Cabrini 1st Graders!
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
208 Feb. 12, 2005 2/12 The Person I Honor Most
Dear Rachael,

My name is Katie and I am 13 years old. In school we are required to make a portfolio in Language Arts with different writing topics. One of these topics is to write a three paragraph explanation of who the person that you honor most is.

I believe that I will do YOU for this particular topic, since you are an extraordinary individual who has overcome much in your lifetime.

I would just like to ask you if you have any particular things that you had difficulties with in life (besides the obvious) that you have overcome, for I do not have much to write in this essay even though you have done so much. I appreciate you reading this, and possibly answering back. Please take your time, for this portfolio is not due until the end of the year, and I can do other topics in my spare time until I do this particular one.

Thanks Rachael, and much luck for the Iditarod in March.

Katie J.
Brick Township, New Jersey
209 Feb. 13, 2005 2/13 Good Luck to Rachael and Paul
We are from Minnesota and we are doing a school project on you!

We enjoy reading about you and think you are So awesome! We are also doing our project about your visual interpreter, Paul Ellering, and we HOPE you guys do well in the Iditarod!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Danica & Allie
Willmar, Minnesota
210 Feb. 14, 2005 2/14 Thanks and Good Luck
Rachael,

My 12 year-old-son, Keith, has achromotopsia. Like you, he has a remarkably positive attitude and is actively engaged in both wrestling and gymnastics.

Your story is a real inspiration to us. We are cheering you on.

Dee M.


211 Feb. 14, 2005 2/14 We Hope You Win
Dear Rachael,

We are tracking the race and we had to pick a musher. And we picked you because you are a rookie and we hope you win the race. My friend and I are going to keep on writing to you. Please keep in touch.

Evie V.
P.S. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Rachael.
Oh, ya one more thing, I'm in the 4th grade.
212 Feb. 16, 2005 2/16 You're the Musher I'm Following
Rachael,

I am a first grader. My name is Emma. I love dogs. I am an otter - that is a swim team.

Two days ago it was Valentine's day. I hade fun except that I broke my wrist.

Good luck in the Iditarod. I'll be cheering for you!!!!!!!!
You are the musher I have chosen to follow.

Emma L.
213 Feb. 17, 2005 2/17 Thank You for Inspiring Me
Hi Rachael,

You are an inspiration and I would just like to thank you for inspiring me and confirming that if I put my mind to anything I can complete my goal.

I know that you're going to win even if its not at the finish line because in my mind you already won!

Thanks.

Austin J.
214 Feb. 18, 2005 2/18 How do You Get a Puppy to Pull a Sled?
Hi, Rachael.

You are awesome!

I was wondering if you know how to get a puppy to pull a sled. My dog is a black lab and is 1 year old. She is very strong but she is scared of the noise of the sled. Do you think I should just get a less noisy sled?

Jasmine G.
215 Feb. 19, 2005 2/19 Have Fun!
Rachael,

Good Luck to you and your team! I talked with you a little bit when you checked all your bags in on your arrival in Alaska. I was amazed at your spirit and countenence.
My thoughts and prayers will go out to you on your journey of your long sought-after dream. My dream as well is to run the Iditarod. What an amazing experience it will be for you.
Again, good luck and always remember, if you're not having fun you're doing something wrong.

Clinton H.
Alaska
216 Feb. 19, 2005 2/19 Best Wishes from Sheridan
Hello, Rachael.

I am a first grade teacher at Faulconer Chapman School in Sheridan, and my class and I would like to wish you luck in the upcoming race. Being a musher from Oregon, you have all my class's support! We look forward to following you via internet and newspaper. Best wishes!!!

Mitch C.
Sheridan, Oregon
217 Feb. 21, 2005 2/21 Great Job, Keep up the Hard Work
Rachael,

I just want to thank you for the great job you have been doing. I am inspired by the hard work and dedication you have shown over the past months. You are an inspiration to all.
GREAT JOB!!!

Joe A.
Portland, Oregon



218 Feb. 21, 2005 2/21 Good Luck, See You at the Starting Line
Hi Rachael -

I'm an Oregonian, raised in Eastern Oregon, now living in the Portland area, and have been following your efforts to race the Iditarod for some time. You will obviously be the one we follow and root for. I will be in Anchorage and Wasilla for the start and re-start and would love to get some pictures of you and your team. This trip will be a photo tour for a buddy and I.
Good luck!!!!

Mike J.
Portland, Oregon


219 Feb. 22, 2005 2/22 Love Those Cute Dogs!
Dear Rachael,

I like your dogs. They are cute. My mom works for Standard Insurance Company and she told me about you. I am in 3rd grade. I hope you win a prize in the Iditarod.
My class might get to track your race. What do you feed your dogs during the race?

Andy K.
Denver, Colorado
220 Feb. 22, 2005 2/22


221 Feb. 22, 2005 2/22 Wishing You Good Luck from Down Under
Hi Rachael,

I came across your story on CNN, I think, in the early hours of the morning.

We don't get too much media or stories from your part of the world - Australia is a little isolated!

I'm not sure if you realize that you've had a big effect on a lot of people that I know, including me. You're the talk around the office since your story aired!

Going back nine years, I was an athlete (track & field and rugby) on the verge of turning pro until a bad injury took away what I loved most.

After 10 or so operations to my lower leg, I was finally able to walk without pain, but could never run again. Being 21 at the time, I didn't handle what happened to me that well.

I really loved hearing your story, it made me think about how much I was like you before my injury. I wish I had your strength and resolve back then.

Keep mushing hard and don't let anything get in your way (even low branches).

Jules J.
Australia
222 Feb. 22, 2005 2/22 Portlanders Rooting for Rachael
Rachael,

I just want you to know we think you are THE BEST! Good Luck on the race. We will be cheering for you.
Make those doggies "MUSH!"

Do your best. We are so proud of you!

Toni H.
Portland, Oregon
223 Feb. 23, 2005 2/23 Cheering Rachael On
Hi Rachael:

Your story is incredible and such an inspiration to all of us. I wish you the best of luck and my prayers will be with you during your endurance race.

May the wind be at your back, and the sunshine on your face, let your dogs guide you, you will win the race.

Karen G.
Portland, Oregon


224 Feb. 23, 2005 2/23 Good Luck, Take Care
Hello, Rachael.

My name is Michelle. I am 20 years old and I am deaf. I hope that you will win the race.
I've read a lot about you. I like reading about you. I worry about you, too. I hope you take care of yourself.

Good luck!

Michelle S.
225 Feb. 24, 2005 2/24 Your Courage Makes Me Proud
Rachael,

You are an inspiration to many and your courage and determination makes me proud to say that I am an American!

Many years ago I was told that I would never play sports due to a childhood injury. Not only did I not accept that, I eventually played both baseball and football on a professional level. If you are like me, when someone says I can`t, well, that just makes me want to do it even more!!

I will follow you in the iditarod and will cheer you on with passion and conviction.

I would say good luck, but I don`t do luck. Just do it!!!

Jimmy W.



226 Feb. 24, 2005 2/24 One Dog Lover to Another
Rachael,

I am a dog lover too. I have a wonderful dog named Jonny Tyler, after the character in the movie "Tombstone." He is a Black Lab-Bulldog mix. He's such a lovable dog. He's 3 years old and the strongest dog I've ever seen. He's been the easiest dog to train.

If you ever need a powerful dog to help pull your sled, he's yours, free. He loves the cold so much that he would rather sleep outside in the snow than sleep inside his house.
I have been following the Iditarod for several years, and You're the most inspiring person to ever run in it. I'll be following your progress daily and rooting for you.

May God be with you and your beautiful dog team.
Mush Girl Mush!

Roger D.
Tennessee

PS- I love to read and I can't wait to get your book, "No End in Sight."



227 Feb. 25, 2005 2/25 Get 'er Done, Rachael!
Rachael,

I just want to say that I hope you can go out there and 'git 'er done'! You are truly an inspiration for others. My daughter enjoyed reading your story in Guideposts for Teens. She is a 12 year old who is still trying to decide what she is going to do or become in life.

God bless you and keep you as you attack this challenge.

Trudi B.
232 Feb. 26, 2005 2/26 With You All the Way
Dear Rachael,

I am so excited to see a young woman have the courage and dedication to tackle racing in the Iditarod. You are an inspiration and example to others.

I will be watching your progress and cheering you on every step of the way. I am confident that you will finish the race and show everyone what a capable person you are.

Best wishes,
Barbara S.

233 Feb. 26, 2005 2/26 You Made Iditarod Very Special
I wish you the best of luck. I grew up in Dillingham Alaska, and have been around dogs all my life. I have always watched the Iditarod but this year you made it very, very special.

God bless and good luck.

You can't lose. If you come in last, you are still a winner.

Patrick A.
234 Feb. 27, 2005 2/27 Keep Seeing Possibilities
Rachael,

I am an aide to a 3rd grade blind boy and we will be cheering you on. My guy, Christopher, is an amazing young man and like you "sees only possibilities."

Good luck!!

Jo G.

235 Feb. 28, 2005 2/28 Where There's a Will, There's a Way
Rachael,

You're living the dream and I'm going to be rooting for you. I lived my dream of being a news artist even though I was legally blind. Now that my eyesight is worse, I'm getting training to go into journalism. Where there's a will, there's a way.

I'd like to see people's perception of the blind change and that we've got a lot to contribute to this old world.

This is a very nicely designed web site, by the way.

You go girl!

Gaylen F.
Seattle, Washington



236 Feb. 28, 2005 2/28 Lots of Love, Tail Wags and Fur
Dear Rachael,

I have been following your journey so far on various lists dedicated to blindness issues. My guide dog, Vallie, and I want to wish you the best for your journey, and more power to you for being so persistent in the face of disbelievers.

With lots of love and plenty of wagging tails and fur,
Penny and her wonderful guide, Vallie.



237 Feb. 28, 2005 2/28 Lots of Love, Tail Wags and Fur
Dear Rachael,

I have been following your journey so far on various lists dedicated to blindness issues. My guide dog, Vallie, and I want to wish you the best for your journey, and more power to you for being so persistent in the face of disbelievers.

With lots of love and plenty of wagging tails and fur,
Penny and her wonderful guide, Vallie.



238 Mar. 1, 2005 3/1 Girl Scouts Support Rachael
Rachael,

My Girl Scout troop has been reading about your quest to compete in the Iditarod. Following a very sucessful cookie sale, we would like to make a donation of $150 to help you accomplish your dream. We look at this as a great way for a fantastic group of girls to support another amazing girl. Good luck, we will be watching. We all live in Portland, Oregon, and hope to see you some time in Bend.

Go get 'em!!!

Michele W.
Girl Scout Troop Leader
239 Mar. 2, 2005 3/2 Thanks for Opening Doors
Dear Rachael,

I had the pleasure of hearing you speak at Title Wave Books, and I want to convey my thanks to you for opening so many new doors for others. I moved to Alaska four years ago in search of a dream as well. And this Last Frontier is the land where dreams get fulfilled. It has been the best place I've lived. I've always been a huge dog lover, and fell in love with Alaskan huskies when I moved here. I've had the pleasure of driving dogs recreationally (a small team of up to eight, and mostly small females) sometimes, and so I have a tiny insight into the formidable task ahead of you and Paul. I wish you both the best of luck and will follow your path with keen support.

Aleta P.
Anchorage, Alaska
240 Mar. 3, 2005 3/3 What Are Your Dogs' Names
Dear Rachael,

I am a special education student from DeLand Middle School. I have chosen you to root for in this year's race. I hope your dogs are healthy. I like to read. What are your dogs' names?

Good luck. We will be following you on the internet next week.

Sincerely,
Sivanah
Florida



241 Mar. 4, 2005 3/4 Heard You on NPR
Hey, Rachael.

I heard your interview this morning on National Public Radio and I am totally impressed with your poise, grit and intelligence. I'll remember you in my prayers as you journey toward the finish line. However you place, you're already a winner.

As employees of The Standard, we are all cheering you on and are proud to be your sponsors. My colleagues and I are all wearing "Go Rachael" pins.

Marcy T.
Portland, Oregon
242 Mar. 5, 2005 3/5 Go Out and Beat the Boys!
Dear Rachael,

Hey, I really hope that you win. I think that it is so cool that you are a girl and you are color blind. I hope it doesn't affect your journey on the Iditarod Trail. I hope you win because everyone always says that the boys will win. If you have the time, can you send me an e-mail? I will be checking to see if you are in the lead. Good luck.

Your Fan,
Sabrina W.



243 Mar. 6, 2005 3/6 Wearing Rachael Buttons Every Day
Hi Rachael,

My grandmother works for Standard Insurance Co. and she told me all about you and the Iditarod race. I think what you are doing is really cool. Keep on working hard and I think you will be able to finish the race. I will be watching where you go every day on the website. I hope you are having fun and I hope your dogs are having fun in the race. I have all four Go Rachael Go buttons and I will wear one every day of the race. -Josh (age 10)

Josh M. (age 10)

P.S. Good luck!
244 Mar. 9, 2005 3/9 Proud to Have You on the Team
Dear Rachael,

We have been part of The Standard family since 1965 and know first hand that The Standard has turned out a lot of winners through the years. We are happy that you are now a part of the "team" also. We are very proud of you and proud to get to "know" you via the e-mail.

God has great plans for you and he has a lot more ahead in your gallant venture.

Keep having fun, God is with you all the way.

The Flem Family
Portland, Oregon
245 Mar. 10, 2005 3/10 I Just Had to Write You
Rachael,

I don't fill these things in very often. In fact, considering the amount of time I spend on the internet, the times I've just felt compelled to email someone like you I could count on one hand.

However, after noticing the story of you on Canada.com and further reading about you on the site that The Standard has set up for you, I'm really impressed. First that a young woman such as yourself would undertake the Ididarod, and then that you would do it despite your blindness. I wish you well, race safe, and tonight I'll try walking from my car to my front door with my eyes shut, just to remind myself how lucky I am to have my vision.

Go for it!

Cheers,
Gord K.
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
246 Mar. 10, 2005 3/10 Good Luck in Iditarod
Hi Rachael,

I'm Kiersi, and my Girl Scout troop is supporting you and your dogs.

Here's some facts about me: I'm 10. Oh, I'm handicapped, too. I have cerebral palsey. That means I can't walk. But I can do everything else independently, almost. I love dogs. I have a springer spaniel-chocolate lab mix. Her name is Pretzel. She's not very big though. Good luck with the Iditarod.

Sincerely,
Kiersi

P.S. Please e-mail me.

Rachael has taken on a lot by accepting the challenge of being a champion sled dog racer. It's a sport that demands incredible endurance, and braving the elements with danger at any turn. You can add your words of encouragement for Rachael via email, by clicking here.

5 Journal 13 Discrimination? Nov. 15, 2004 11/15 Did a TV interview today. One of the questions: Am I discriminated against as a woman in sled dog racing? I said no. Today, there are many successful women in the sport. Also, a lot of us have slight weight advantages over the men. Sometimes the media follows the women more because there are fewer of them. But I don't think I'm singled out for being female. Besides, I want to be judged on my abilities, the equal of anyone.
7 Always Running Nov. 19, 2004 11/19 Usually I run a mile and a half every day. You have to be in shape to be a dog sled racer. Today I ran more like three miles. Lots of energy today. But then I have always loved running. Not just in high school, in track and cross-country. Just running. Always wanted to move fast. Even as a kid. That's another reason I got rid of that cane when I was little. How can you run with a cane anyway? And who would want to? 8 Duchess and Cletus Nov. 22, 2004 11/22 Today I spent a little extra time with Duchess and Cletus. I always go on feel. Sometimes one or the other of the dogs wants more attention on a particular day. Of all our 90 dogs Duchess is simply the born leader on the trail. Dad thinks she's the smartest, too. Cletus is a big strong male athlete. He always wants to run. He's also very curious, and he loves interacting with the other dogs. And so do I. I love them all. 9 Nov. 26, 2004 Silence & Thinking 11/26 Have the sniffles today. And right after the big Thanksgiving feast! Still, it gives me time to think. The house is so quiet. People think with so many dogs around it must be noisy. No! Some ways it's like having one dog. They only bark when somebody new shows up, or something. And since we live in the middle of "nowhere," in the Badlands of Oregon, well, not that many people drop by. I don't know how life would work if I didn't have 90 dogs in my front yard and I lived within a mile of a neighbor! 10 Why I Love Training Nov. 29, 2004 11/29 Next to being out on the snow with the dogs, I love training with them pulling me on the ATV. At the start of the season they're doing everything wrong. They run on the wrong side of the line and bark at each other. We work with them, let 'em know, "No, you can't do that. You have to do this." In September, they were goofing around. Now they look like a really good dog team. Letting them discover the position they are most comfortable in is so much fun for them. Heck, it's fun for me. 11 Trail Songs Nov. 30, 2004 11/30 Today I loaded songs on my iPod for the Atta Boy 300 & Iditarod. I've got to have music when I race. Songs I loaded: "Hangin By a Moment" (Lifehouse), "Good Riddance" (Green Day), "Bring Me to Life" (Evanescence), "We're Gonna Sing Like the Saved" (my friends Jenny Zimmerman, Curtis Van Winkle and Jeremiah Claus), and "The Prayer" (Josh Groban). I like Josh's lyrics, "I pray you'll be our eyes/And watch us where we go/And help us to be wise/ In times when we don't know." I can relate to that. 12 Food, Food, Food Dec. 1, 2004 12/1 The big dog food truck from Atta Boy came today. Right to the house. A semi. It was loaded with enough 50-pound bags of food to last for several months. We need a semi to feed 90 dogs. The old story about an army traveling on its stomach is true of the dogs, too. They sure can eat a lot. But then they burn a ton of calories on the trail. I've decided, their three favorite things - playing, running and eating! 75 New York City Dec. 13, 2004 12/13 Best weekend ever. I love New York City. My friend Emmy Rossum invited me to the premiere of her new movie, Phantom of the Opera. Got all dressed up, hair and makeup, everything. Met Colin Farrell at the big party afterwards. We stayed at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel - so glamorous. Then was hanging out with Emmy in her suite when the Golden Globe nominees were announced - and Emmy was nominated! Wonder if I should think about an acting career? 102 Jan. 14, 2005 1/14 Atta Girl
So I came in 18th at the Atta Boy race. Am happy with my result (have not had the best luck at this race before) and had an excellent tumble on the sled on Thursday that was just about the most fun Ive ever had on a dog sled! Matt (my visual interpreter) told me to take this corner wide and I did the dumbest thing possible - I stepped on the brake coming into it. I knew I was going down so I just got really, really low and ended up on my back holding on to the sled! I was only down half a second then got back up and going again. Too much fun.
115 Jan. 24, 2005 1/24 Alaska, USA

After many days in the truck with Dad, Rick Steber (the guy who wrote my book), and my handler Becki Timson, we finally arrived in Alaska and this morning pulled into Lake Louise. Dad says it looks like a frozen picture postcard. And it is very cold. I think it's about 7 degrees out here. We're heading over to meet Tyrell who'll be my visual interpreter for the T-200. Our dogs have never even seen each other and me and Tyrell have never raced together so this should be interesting. Hope everyone gets along!
116 Jan. 31, 2005 1/31 T-200
Came in 26th place in the T-200. Not too bad and man, was it ever cold out there! They say it was 21 degrees on the first day but with the wind, it was more like 8. Me and Tyrell are a good team, but the radios didnt work so we ended up yelling to each other for most of the time. We pulled into Clam Shell at about 6:30 in the morning on Sunday and had to take the mandatory six-hour rest. I didnt want to rest! I wanted to get back out on the trail. The last 100 miles went really quick and I crossed the line at 3:45 in the morning. Think a nap is in my future . . .
228 Feb. 18, 2005 2/18 Break from training
Took a break from training today to visit an elementary school here in Alaska. The kids gave me a little book of poems they wrote. It was so sweet, especially the poem that said: We see with our hearts, not with our eyes. Ill never forget that.
Then I visited the Alaska Center for the Visually Impaired, which is part of the Access Alaska group that backed me when I asked the Iditarod Trail Committee to let me race with a visual interpreter. It was nice to get to thank them for their support.
229 Feb. 28, 2005 2/28 Training in Willow
I've been training so hard here in Alaska. Our host family has been so great, putting us up and helping out wherever they can. Paul (my visual interpreter for the Iditarod) has been here a couple weeks and we're really starting to click, to work together as a team. My heavy duty race clothes from Cabela's arrived too. Very nice! Cant wait for the race to start. It's sort of weird, after all the waiting and pleading my case, to think that it's so close, that I'm almost there.
6 Dogs 23 Duchess (Leader - 7 years old, 40 lbs.) Duchess is the queen of Rachael's sled dog teams, having led in every one of her major races for the past five years. A born leader, Duchess is also extraordinarily "tuned in" to Rachael, seeming to know what she wants out on the race trails. In the kennel, Duchess is a very sweet dog. When she sees Rachael coming, Duchess rolls over on her back for tummy pats. 24 Angel (Leader - 3 years old, 42 lbs.) Though she is younger and less experienced, Angel loves to compete with Duchess in the lead. A litter mate of Rachael's dog, Cletus, Angel is a born athlete who loves to run. 25 Cletus (Race leader - 3 years old, 52 lbs.) In Greek, Cletus means "calling forth." That's appropriate, since Cletus has a big voice and ego (with the talent to back it up). A gifted athlete, Cletus, as Rachael puts it, "has the energy and enthusiasm of a Middle School jock." 26 Hank (Leader/team dog - 4 years old, 55 lbs.) This shy, coal-black German Shorthair Pointer/Alaskan Husky mix was named after the graceful and powerful baseball hitter Hank Aaron. Hank is a very serious dog, attentive to his surroundings and to knowing what's going on at all times. 27 Seth (7 years old, 60 lbs.) The biggest of Rachael's team, Seth is a sweet, hard working dog from the kennel of Jacques and Magali Philip. He's a dog the other's look up to as a friend and as a source of reliability and inspiration. 28 Tiny (Racer/Leader - 6 years old, 35 lbs.) So named because Tiny is the smallest racer/leader, she was obtained from Rob Pebbles. When the going gets rough, Tiny is a dependable back-up leader, and never seems to get tired. Off the trail, she loves people and affection. 29 Lisa (Race leader - 3 years old, 38 lbs.) Pretty, brown-eyed Lisa is similar to Duchess in many ways. On the trail, she's a strong leader. Off the trail, she's sweet, gentle, and likes to be around people of all ages. Rachael lives in Central Oregon surrounded by
an enthusiastic team of 90 dogs, each of whom
she loves and knows as a distinct personality.
This page is dedicated to the key members of
Rachael's Iditarod "dream team" dog lineup. 70 News and Events 71 Rachael to Race in the Iditarod Sept. 19, 2004 09.19.04 Anchorage, Alaska - The Iditarod Trail Committee helped make Rachael Scdoris' athletic dreams come true today, when the administrative group voted to allow the 19-year-old Oregon musher to become the first legally blind person to compete in the world's most famous long distance sled dog race.

The board of the 2005 Iditarod race ruled that Rachael could run in the grueling sled competition with the assistance of a second dog-sled team that will serve as her "visual interpreter," or V.I. The V.I. will be a musher who will run their own dog team ahead of Rachael's team, and notify her of trail hazards via two-way radio.

"Rachael has used a V.I. in every race she has entered in the past, including the Atta Boy 300, and the 500-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon," said Rachael's father, Jerry Scdoris.

The decision to allow Rachael in the race was an about-face for the Iditarod board, which rejected a similar appeal by Rachael last year (in her attempts to run in the 2004 Iditarod). To help defray the extra cost of a fielding a second sled dog team for the 2005 race, the board said it would waive its $1,850 entry fee for Rachael.

"I consider it a win," Rachael said with obvious excitement after the vote of the Iditarod committee. "This is the way I always wanted to do it. I'm happy." 72 Oct. 24, 2004 Paul Ellering to be Rachael's "Iditarod Eyes" 10.24.04 Bend, Oregon - Sled dog musher Rachael Scdoris said today she has received the acknowledgement of Paul Ellering of Minnesota that he will act as her "visual interpreter" for the 2005 Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, in March.

Rachael, who is legally blind, works with a visual interpreter to help her navigate hazards during a sled dog race, since the 19-year-old Oregon athlete has 20-200 vision and is nearsighted, farsighted and colorblind. Rachael said during a race she can only see the last three pairs of dogs of her 16-dog team on a good day. When light is bad, she can barely make out her closest dogs. At night she can make out the shape of her leaders and see harness reflectors in her headlight beams.

Ellering, a former professional wrestler who completed his rookie Iditarod in 2000, will lead his own team of dogs in the 2005 Iditarod, running ahead of Rachael's team and notifying her of any trail hazards by two-way radio.

Rachael said prior to the Iditarod, she plans on running a qualifying race, the Tustumena 200, using Tyrell Seavey, as a visual interpreter. However, she added she would start doing practice runs with Ellering in Alaska in the first week of February 2005, a month before the big race. 73 Rachael to Run in Atta Boy 300 Nov. 1, 2004 11.01.04 Bend, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris has announced she will run a dog sled team in the Atta Boy 300 IFSS World Sled Dog Championships in Central Oregon, Jan. 5-14, 2005.

The 10-day dog sled event will draw a field of top mushers from around the world, for the fourth annual running of this mid-distance sled dog world championship. There are two main events, the six-dog mid-distance championships during the first two days, and the eight-to-12-dog mid-distance championships the following eight days.

Rachael will run in both events. In the opening, six-dog competition, she will race against more than three dozen other mushers from the U.S., South Africa and Switzerland. In the larger event, Rachael will race against a dozen other mushers from the U.S., France, and Argentina.

The stated mission of the Atta Boy 300, called "the Race for Vision," is "to raise awareness about the importance of good vision care and highlight the potential for visually impaired individuals and athletes to lead fulfilling lives."

Previous winners of the Atta Boy 300 are Doug Swingley (2002), Melanie Shirilla, and Buddy Streeper (2004). 74 No End in Sight: Exciting New Biography Dec. 10, 2004 12.10.04 Bend, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris has won accolades for her sporting achievements. But her two-year battle with the Iditarod Trail Committee over whether she should be allowed to compete in the 2005 Iditarod Trail International Sled Dog Race brought her story national attention.

Rachael's triumph over her physical limitations and her quest to compete at the highest level of the sport she loves is at the heart of her new book, No End in Sight. Rick Steber, author of 33 books and hundreds of articles about the people and places of the American West, says that Rachael's story - her courage in pursuit of her dream - is important for everybody.

Rachael is more modest, but shares the belief that sharing her story might help others. In the introduction to the book, she writes: "If my story serves to inspire others, if it propels those with disabilities into a positive course of action, if it makes a significant impact on a young person - then our efforts will have been rewarded. I believe that through hope, guts and determination each of us can overcome any obstacle we may face in life."

A limited first edition of No End in Sight can be ordered online at www.rachaelscdoris.com. 76 Mushers from Around the World Race in Atta Boy 300 Jan. 4, 2005 1.4.05 Bend, Oregon - Sled dog mushers from Argentina, Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland will compete alongside Rachael Scdoris in the Atta Boy 300 IFSS World Sled Dog Championships in Central Oregon, Jan. 5-14, 2005.

International mushers in the Atta Boy's 12-dog race include:

Blayne "Buddy" Streeper - Canada
Brian MacDougall -†Canada
Hernan Maquieira - Argentina
Irvin Perry - Canada
Magali Philip - France
Martin Koenig â€- Switzerland
Mike Salvisberg -†Canada
Nigel Hill -†Canada
Richard Beck -†Canada
Warren Palfrey -†Canada

International mushers in the Atta Boy's 6-dog race include:

Bartosz Gadziomski - Poland
Christo Smit â€- South Africa
Mike Salvisberg -†Canada
Peter Dobbs -â New Zealand
Sara Sundin - Sweden
Steven Lindsay -†Scotland
Todd Hessey - New Zealand
Vanessa Quinche - Ireland
Warren Palfrey - Canada

For more information about all of the mushers racing in the Atta Boy 300, visit http://www.attaboy300.com/the_mushers.htm

100 Jan. 14, 2005 1.14.05 Atta Boy Race Updates Rachael Finishes 18th; Streeper Wins in Dramatic Comeback
Jan. 14, 2005

Bend, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris finished the 2005 Atta Boy 300 in 18th place overall. She crossed the finish line today sweating and wearing short sleeves, despite the 30-degree temperatures. Rachael ran behind or alongside the sled for much of the 47.7-mile course at Mt. Bachelor. Apparently the head-over-heels spill she took in Thursday's stage didn't leave her in very bad shape.

Rachael was happy with her performance overall. She said this year's Atta Boy was great Iditarod training for her and her huskies.

Meanwhile, at the head of the pack, Buddy Streeper won his second straight Atta Boy 300 in dramatic fashion, mounting what veteran musher Joe Runyan called the greatest comeback ever in mid-distance mushing.

"This one will go down in history, improbable, unbelievable and without duplication," Runyan wrote in his report on the official race Web site.

Streeper started the day in third after a difficult Stage 5 run left him 18 minutes behind leader Hernan Maquieira. After staying on the brake to slow his dogs for the initial five-mile downhill section of the Mt. Bachelor course, Streeper said he just let his dogs loose.

"It was one of those runs you only dream about," Streeper told The Oregonian. "Within 200 meters of the start, I knew they had something special."

Libby Riddles, the race marshal and first woman to win the Iditarod, in 1985, told The Oregonian that Streepers comeback was "... the most amazing thing Ive ever seen. This is the best team in the world. I would die for a team like this."

Streeper finished Stage 6 in 3 hours, 47 minutes, 13 seconds; his combined time over the six-day, 300-mile race was 24 hours, 20 minutes, 17 seconds.

Maquieira's fourth-place finish today, in 4 hours, 7 minutes, 45 seconds, left him in second overall with a combined time of 24 hours, 22 minutes, 20 seconds.

Melanie Shirilla finished third overall in 24 hours, 22 minutes, 42 seconds, just 22 seconds behind Maquieira. Shirilla, a crowd favorite who began the day in second overall, had the second-fastest run today, finishing the figure-eight course in 4 hours, 4 minutes, 18 seconds.

Rachael Keeps Up Steady Pace; Anderson Wins Stage 5
Jan. 13, 2005

La Pine, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris finished in 14th place today, putting her in 17th overall. Rachael finished the 45.3-mile loop at Newberry Crater in 4 hours, 8 minutes, 27 seconds. Rachael continues to run a flawless race with her noticeably heavy pool of 16 dogs she will take to the Iditarod in March. She is using the
40- to 50-mile Atta Boy runs as training for her huskies, encouraging them to run at a trot suitable for a long-distance race like the Iditarod.

Ken Anderson of Fox, Alaska, won Stage 5 with a time of 3 hours, 27 minutes, 12 seconds. Anderson's first stage win in this year's Atta Boy 300 helped him move into sixth place overall.

Hernan Maquieira of Argentina turned in another steady performance today, finishing the course in 3 hours, 32 minutes, 41 seconds for second place on the day. Maquieira holds the overall lead with a combined time of 20 hours, 14 minutes, 35 seconds.

Melanie Shirilla's third-place time for Stage 5 of 3 hours, 32 minutes, 57 seconds moved her into second place overall with a combined time of 20 hours, 18 minutes, 24 seconds.

Buddy Streeper of Fort Nelson, B.C., slipped to third overall after a seventh-place finish today with a time of 3 hours, 49 minutes, 6 seconds. Streeper, who hung on to win the race last year after building a big lead in the early stages, is now almost 18 minutes behind Maquieira and nearly 14 minutes behind Shirilla.

Tomorrows racing on a 43-mile course from Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center around Sheridan Mountain and Kwolh Butte should prove exciting as Maquieira and Shirilla fight it out for first place.

Rachael 18th Overall; Maquieira Moves Past Streeper

Jan. 12, 2005
Prineville, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris turned in another solid performance in today's 47.3-mile race around Walton Lake and Mt. Pisgah. Rachael completed the loop, which was voted the favorite stage by the mushers in last year's Atta Boy 300, in 5 hours, 3 minutes, 20 seconds.

The overall lead changed hands for the first time today as Hernan Maquieira of Argentina finished second on the day in 4 hours, 8 minutes, 50 seconds. Maquieira, with a combined time of 16 hours, 41 minutes, 54 seconds, took the lead from defending Atta Boy champion Buddy Streeper of Fort Nelson, B.C. Streeper's combined time of 16 hours, 43 minutes, 58 seconds leaves him in second.

Melanie Shirilla of Lincoln, Montana, won Stage 4 with a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes, 6 seconds. It was Shirilla's second stage win, but she is still in third overall with a combined time of 16 hours, 45 minutes, 27 seconds.

With fewer than 4 minutes separating the top three contenders, Stage 5 tomorrow at Newberry Crater near La Pine should be exciting.

Rachael Continues Steady Climb; Maquieira Wins Stage 3
Jan. 11, 2005

Sisters, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris continued to improve today in the third stage of the Atta Boy 300. The Central Oregon native finished the 53-mile Three Creek-Triangle Hill loop in 5 hours, 10 minutes, 33 seconds. It was her best time so far, putting her in 14th place for the stage and helping her overall standing. Rachael and her team have been steady and consistent through the first three days of racing.

Meanwhile, the battle at the head of the pack continued between 2004 Atta Boy champion Buddy Streeper, 2003 winner Melanie Shirilla and newcomer Hernan Maquieira of Argentina. Maquieira won Stage 3 with a time of 4 hours, 16 minutes, 56 seconds. Shirilla was second in 4 hours, 19 minutes, 22 seconds, just 13 seconds faster than Streeper. Streeper, from Fort Nelson, B.C., still holds the overall lead by a little more than 3 minutes over Maquieira.

Rachael Moves Up in Pack; Shirilla 1st to Finish
Jan. 10, 2005

Sisters, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris moved up three places in the overall standings on the second day of racing in the Atta Boy 300, according to Joe Runyan, a veteran musher who is covering the race. Rachael finished the 53-mile course from Upper Three Creek Sno-park to Triangle Hill in 5 hours, 39 minutes, 30 seconds. It put her in 19th place on the day and 18th overall.

Despite being back in the pack, Rachael was happy with the time and the way her team ran. She is focused on training her dogs for the Iditarod in March, and part of that preparation is her strategy of racing 10 dogs and resting six on alternating days in the Atta Boy.

Melanie Shirilla, who finished fourth on Sunday despite carried one dog across the finish line, won today's stage, completing the loop in 4 hours, 23 minutes, 15 seconds. Hernan Maquieira finished two minutes back and Buddy Streeper, who won Sunday's first stage, was just over 4 minutes off the pace. Streeper remains in the lead overall, with Maquieira 6 minutes back and Shirilla just over 20 minutes out of first.

Tomorrow the mushers will be back for a second day on the Three Creek-Triangle Hill course which, thanks largely to a total change in elevation of 11,260 feet, is considered one of the toughest of the Atta Boy stages.

Rachael Ends Day 1 in 21st
Jan. 9, 2005

Bend, Oregon - Rachael Scdoris finished the first official day of racing in the 12-dog class of the 2005 Atta Boy 300 IFSS World Championship in 5 hours, 22 minutes, 35 seconds. The 44.8-mile loop took mushers from the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center and back again by way of Dutchman Flat Sno-park, Kwolh Butte, Sheridan Mountain and past Devil's Lake. Rachael said she was happy with her team's performance, which put in her in 21st place.

Buddy Streeper of Fort Nelson, B.C., who won the 2004 edition of the Atta Boy 300, turned in the fastest time of the day at 3 hours, 42 minutes, 35 seconds. Streeper is one of the hottest sled dog racers around. He was named Team & Trail Magazine's 2003 Musher of the Year and won the 2004 IFSS World Cup.

Rounding out the top five finishers on Day 1 were: Hernan Maquieira of Ushuaia, Argentina; Richard Beck of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada; Melanie Shirilla of Lincoln, Montana, and Mike Salvisberg of Bear Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada.
101 Jan. 18, 2005 1.18.05 Rachael To Appear on Today Show on Jan. 19 Bend, Oregon - Don't miss Rachael's appearance on The Today Show on Jan 19. Airing during the show's 9 a.m. hour, the segment is the second in a three part feature on Rachael.

Check out the footage at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6839655/ 103 Jan. 26, 2005 1.26.05 Rachael to Race in Tustumena 200
Kasilof, Alaska - Rachael Scdoris is ready to race in this weekend's Tustumena 200, a professional class race that winds through the Caribou Hills of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. The two day race takes place Jan. 29-30, 2005.

Rachael will run the race with Tyrell Seavey acting as her visual interpreter. Tyrell, son of 2004 Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey, will travel ahead of Rachael on a separate dog sled and communicate with her about trail conditions via two-way radio.

Rachael will compete against several past winners of the T-200 including Paul Gebhardt from Kasilof, Alaska, Tim Osmar from Ninilchik, Alaska and the 2004 defending champion, Cim Smyth from Big Lake, Alaska.
114 January 31, 2005
1.29.05 Tustumena 200 Race Updates
Rachael and her visual interpreter Tyrell Seavey crossed the finish line of the Tustumena 200 this morning at 3:45 a.m. Alaska Standard Time. She ended the race in 26th place.

The T-200 is Rachael's first race in Alaska and helped her get a good idea of the conditions she will face in the Iditarod in March. Rachael will remain in Alaska until she completes the Iditarod and will use the time to continue training for the race.

January 30, 2005

4:00 p.m. AKST - Jessica Hendricks crossed the finish line at 3:28 p.m. Alaska Standard Time and is the winner of this year's Tustumena 200. Jessica was the Iditarod rookie of the year in 2003. Rachael and her visual interpreter Tyrell Seavey are racing toward the Caribou Lake checkpoint in their journey toward the finish line.

9:00 a.m. AKST - Rachael has made it half way through the Tustumena 200. She and visual interpreter Tyrell Seavey checked in at the Clam Shell Lodge checkpoint at around 6:30 a.m. Alaska Standard Time on Sunday.

Mushers are required to take a six-hour layover at Clam Shell so Rachael and her team will have some time to rest before setting out on the final 100 miles of the race.

Jessica Hendricks, 2003 Iditarod rookie of the year, currently leads the pack of 30 mushers. She is followed by Allen Moore and Mitch Seavey, 2004 Iditarod champ and the father of Rachael's visual interpreter.

Jan. 29, 2005

At around 3:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time today, Rachael and her visual interpreter, Tyrell Seavey, left the Tustumena lodge and hit the trail. Weather conditions in Kasilof, Alaska, were cold with a temperature of 21 degrees and 14 mph winds. The winds make the temperature feel like a chilly 8 degrees.

Rachael is among a field of 30 mushers competing in this year's T-200. Several Iditarod veterans are running, including 2004 Iditarod champ Mitch Seavey.

Check this space for updates on Rachael's progress in the Tustumena 200.
230 Feb. 28, 2005 2.28.05 Rachael to Sign Copies of 'No End in Sight'
Anchorage, Alaska - Rachael Scdoris will answer questions and sign copies of her biography, "No End in Sight," at Title Wave Books in Anchorage. Rachael's biographer, Rick Steber, and her visual interpreter for the Iditarod, distance mushing veteran Paul Ellering, will also be on hand to answer questions and sign copies of the book.

Rachael, Ellering and the rest of the Scdoris team have spent February with a host family in Willow, Alaska, training for the 33rd running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Rachael recently told the Anchorage Daily News that her team is getting comfortable running in Alaska.

The book signing begins at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Mar. 1). Title Wave Books is located at 1360 W. Northern Lights Boulevard in the Northern Lights Center mall. The phone number is 907.278.9283.
231 Mar. 5, 2005 3.5.05 Rachael Meets Rachael
Anchorage, Alaska - Rachael Scdoris met Rachael Baker today before the start of the 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Besides a first name in common, the two Rachaels share a love of dogs. The meeting was part of the 10-year-old Baker's Iditarod experience arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Baker and her twin sister, Abigail, suffer from cystic fibrosis, a life-shortening disease that requires constant treatment. Their longtime nurse, Monica Ulles, applied to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help Baker's Iditarod dream come true. Baker joined former Iditarod champion Jeff King (Baker's favorite musher) on his sled for the ceremonial start of the big race.

Baker says she wants to be a musher when she grows up because it would give her a chance to spend a lot of time with the dogs.

Scdoris is finally getting started on her Iditarod dream. She left Anchorage today with her Idita-rider in the basket of her sled for the ceremonial run to the VFW post at Eagle River.

Click on the Iditarod signpost on the homepage to follow Rachael's progress as she hits the trail in the 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

247 Mar. 15, 2005 3.15.05 Rachael Named ABC's 'Person of the Week'
Portland, Oregon - ABC News honored Rachael Scdoris as its "Person of the Week" for the second week of March. A video segment about Rachael's quest to complete the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race aired at the end of last Friday's edition of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings." A reporter and camera crew from ABC's Anchorage affiliate interviewed Rachael during some of her rest stops along the trail. Read the segment online at http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/PersonOfWeek/story?id=572838&page=1.

On Mar. 4, National Public Radio featured Rachael's story on its Morning Edition program. Read or listen to the story at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4522230.

Steve Wilstein, a national sports columnist for the Associated Press, wrote a column about Rachael, which was carried on AP affiliates across the country on Mar. 7. Read Wilstein's column at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7110664/.

Rachael was also featured on the ESPN program "Outside the Lines" on Mar. 13. The ESPN crew conducted extensive interviews with Rachael, Paul Ellering - her guide for the Iditarod - and past Iditarod winners Libby Riddles and Mitch Seavey. Check your local cable television listings for repeat broadcasts of the program.
200 Iditarod The Iditarod southern route - all 1,131 miles of it - covers some of the most challenging terrain nature can offer up. Temperatures can dip to -35 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is relentless in certain sections. Click on any checkpoint for details.