24th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

TIFFIN — Seneca County F.A.C.T (Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment) was host to the 24th annual Tiffin Polar Bear Plunge Feb. 1 behind Camden Falls Reception Center. In total, the event raised just over $25k. According to F.A.C.T President Lynn Reino, the event was started 24 years ago by Debbie Tiell with the goal of eliminating some of the stress that is bound to come with battling cancer. "Finances are just one more layer of stress that no one fighting cancer wants to deal with," said Brad Meier, a speaker at the event. Some of the financial assistance available through F.A.C.T is utilized for transportation, medication, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and various rehabilitation supplies such as: Ostomy supplies Masectomy supplies Prosthesis (artificial limb) Hair pieces Dressings and other home health care supplies Nutritional supplements Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses This year, there were a total of 186 announced jumpers at the event—72 of which were first-time participants. An additional 16 made the plunge the day beforehand, making a total of 204. Adam Smith, owner of Carmie's BBQ and Camden Falls, shared that event participation has increased this year from last year's 140 participants. The youngest jumper this year was just 7 years old, with the oldest jumper being 81 years old. At the event, the Heidelberg University Women's Volleyball team was handling registration, while their Men's Baseball team helped to set up and tear down. Both teams were also actively involved with food service, all of which both Seneca County F.A.C.T and Camden Falls are thankful for. Additionally, Camden Falls would like to thank both Clinton Twsp. Fire and the Seneca County Water Rescue Team (which utilized the event as a training exercise) for volunteering at the event. Next year will be the 25th annual rendition of the event, taking place on Feb. 7.