After attending college on the Texas
Coast (no, not on the beach) and living in California and Colorado in the early 70’s, I returned to Austin, Texas. I eventually moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to work with American Airlines. It was great to be able to explore the world on a whim!

My first trip to Alaska landed me in Anchorage the first week in March, 1997. I spent eight glorious days soaking up memories, including whale watching out of Seward and exploring the City of Lights by day and by night. One highlight of my trip was riding the train to Wasilla to watch the “official” start of the Iditarod.


Actually riding in a dog sled was way beyond my Texas dreams! Two years later I was once again in Anchorage solely for enjoying the Iditarod. My plans were a bit derailed when I slipped on ice the morning of the ceremonial start. One of the first aid nurses was kind enough to take me to the emergency room. My wrist had been broken in two places! What a lucky break for me – meeting a new friend in Anchorage. My circle of friends continued to grow during eleven subsequent visits. I became directly involved with the Serum Run in 2002 when I was invited to photograph the arrival of the Serum Run into Nome. Later that evening, at the banquet, it was my great honor to capture on film each Serum Run participant being handed a commemorative vial of serum by Col. Vaughan. Helping feed dog teams, scooping frozen poop, listening to logistics being planned and braving a Nome blizzard planted true Alaskan seeds in the heart of this Texas gal! It did not take long for me to know that I was part of a special group of people, who, as participants, continue to fulfill Col. Norman Vaughan’s theme to “Dream Big and Dare to Fail.”

My adventurous spirit and passion of photography continued to thrive. However, with many changes taking place in the airline business after 9/11, I accepted an exit package from American Airlines and opened the door of opportunity! Though it was difficult to move away from my granddaughter, Kiley, who is 10 years old, my daughter, Kristen, and her husband, John, following my dream was important to me. I continued in the airline industry in Alaska on a whole new level – working for Northern Air Cargo in Anchorage and Warbelow’s Air Ventures in Fairbanks. After almost a year of being “grounded” (working for the University of Alaska Fairbanks), the airline industry beckoned me once again. I returned to Anchorage this fall to work with Alaska Airlines in the Regional Office near the airport.

I have logged a few miles on a snowmachine and placed first and third in my first and second mushing experiences (3-dag races). One has to start somewhere… so who knows… But for now, I am thrilled to be part of the Serum 25 Run volunteer team! Thanks!