Hundreds Brave Icy Waters for Charity

Polar plunge benefits Special Olympics Nebraska

By Justin Pazera

CREATED Feb. 16, 2013

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  • Hundreds Brave Icy Waters for Charity Video by kmtv.com

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Omaha, NE - They are serious about embracing winter. Hundreds willingly ran into Lake Cunningham. Participant Natalie Awe says, "Freezing. Really, really cold." Participant Dustin Moorehead says, "At first before going into the water, my toes were starting to get cold and then when you go into the water I think the only thing I really felt was my toes."  

So it wasn't a day full of leisure at the lake. There's contemplating, a little hesitation. Awe says, "Do I really want to do this right now. " And then, the big cold rush. Participant Kim Berly Brennan say, "It's really sticky. It's muddy. It's got some sand in there so you're getting stuck and you're trying to move in the water is just pulling everything down on you." 

They say it's the adrenalin that gets you through this and of course a warming tent after the icy trip. For some, the plunge has become tradition, raising money for Special Olympics, making sure those will disabilities can enjoy a variety of sports. Brennan says, "It's exciting because everyone is ready and they're cheering you on and they're glad they're not going first so it's really exciting but so nervous because you don't know what to expect and you know it's cold." It is so cold it'll numb your limbs but still, time and time again, participants say a little chill for a good cause really does warm the heart.