Cold water, warm hearts—plunging for Barbara Kozdron, Shabbona Sharks and Special Olympics!
Why I Plunge
On Sunday, March 1, 2026, I will brave the icy waters of Lake Michigan by participating in Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois, presented by Special Children’s Charities. I’m doing this for my younger sister, Barbara Kozdron, who has been a proud Special Olympics athlete for nearly her entire life.
Special Olympics has given Barbara so much more than medals—it has given her confidence, purpose, lifelong friendships, and a place where she is celebrated exactly as she is. Every athlete deserves that same opportunity to feel strong, capable, and included.
Taking this plunge is my way of giving back and standing beside Barbara and thousands of athletes like her. Please consider donating and supporting this incredible mission. Your contribution directly helps individuals with intellectual disabilities discover their strengths, reach their goals, and experience the joy of belonging.
Together, we can make a real difference—one brave jump at a time.
There are three easy ways to support my plunging efforts:
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Donate to my fundraising page!
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Join my team and take the plunge with me at North Avenue Beach on March 1, 2026.
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Help me spread the word! Share my fundraising page with your friends and family.
Please help me raise funds for this great cause by donating today!
My Supporters
- Justin Dumcum 4 weeks ago $26.25
- Carissa Blumenshine What a wonderful cause. We love you! The Blumenshines 4 weeks ago $30.00
- Julie Blaikie 4 weeks ago $10.50
- Anonymous 4 weeks ago $10.50
- Anonymous 4 weeks ago $10.50
- Karyn Falk Last month $210.00
- Ellen Larsen Last month $52.50
- Julie Blaikie Go Rebecca Go! Sending love and warmth to you and your beautiful seesters! Julie B Last month $52.50
- Beth McGuffey January 2026 $52.50
- Christa Winikates Proud to support an amazing cause! January 2026 $50.00
My Team
- FK Frank KAJDANOWSKI $1,665.75
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William Bratland Team Captain $1,618.75
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Julia Kozdron $840.05
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Rebecca Cavanaugh $758.75
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Barbara Kozdron $702.25
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Gavin Lee $681.25
- KM Kyle Machalinski $672.50
- RC richelle cavanaugh $647.50
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Rebecca Dumcum $607.75
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Michael Maraldi $595.00
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Luis Rey Sanchez $572.25
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Matthew Gorski $521.25
- LN Luis Neris $502.00
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KATHERINE PAYNE $500.00
- CD Coleen Dunne $472.50
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israel ruiz $398.00
- MG Mark Galaviz $313.75
- OS Oscar Sanchez $309.75
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Nicole K Flores $256.72
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Desiree Jackson $203.76
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peter hertl $157.50