Sadie is a sassy, silly six-year-old. She was diagnosed with chronic ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura) in June 2020. In the US, only around 3,000 ITP cases are diagnosed every year. Of those, 60% resolve within 6 months, and of the remaining 40%, half resolve before the 1-year mark. Only around 600 go on to be labeled chronic diagnoses. Throughout her 4+ year ITP journey, Sadie has faced countless blood draws, multiple specialist appointments, and even a scary ICU stay, but she continues to keep a smile on her face and a bounce in her step! She loves playing with her big sister, Elsie, practicing soccer, and attending school, where she started kindergarten, this fall. She loves all things Disney, devouring way too many chocolate chip cookies and tacos, and drinking her weight in milk daily. Her humor and love for life always keep everyone around her smiling!
This year’s Ski Freeze proceeds will help keep Sadie smiling when she boards a Disney Cruise early this summer. We hope you’ll join us on New Year’s Day to help us Make Sadie’s Dream Come True!
Branson is a 10-year-old from Munford, TN diagnosed with Fabry’s Disease. It is a rare inherited disorder. When not at school and studying, Branson likes to ride his bike, listen to Jelly Roll, watch football and cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies. When we asked Branson about his dream, he gave it some serious thought. Finally, he decided on a backyard cabin of his very own. A place to hang out with his family and friends. A place to just be a kid.
On May 10, 2024, Branson’s long wait was over when he was presented with his Backyard Cabin Dream. His Dream was sponsored by the Collierville Ski Club with proceeds raised at the 2024 Ski Freeze. This dream was extraordinary because of the generosity of so many folks in Tipton County and beyond who donated their time, talents, and materials to make it all come together. The South Tipton County Chamber of Commerce played a huge role helping us make connections with area companies, plus they gave Branson a gift card to spend on his cabin.
Thank you for your donation to the Dream Factory. The Dream Factory of Memphis is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Since no goods or services were received in exchange for your declared contribution, 100% of your donation should be deductible for tax purposes per the Internal Revenue Service. For any questions regarding deductibility for this contribution, please consult your tax advisor.
The Ski Freeze was dreamed up 44 years ago on a dare (and winter boredom) from some of the founding members of the River City Ski Club. It was initially held on Kilowatt Lake in North Memphis. Later, it moved to the Wolf River channel between Mud Island and the Cobblestones. Only once did the Ski Freeze not take place exactly on New Year’s Day, when the water had iced over in Wolf River. It was subsequently moved to a private lake in February.
Over the years, Ski Freeze has raised over $450,000 for the Dream Factory.After a few years, the River Ski Club decided to have their crazy antics become a community oriented event and started each year to raise funds for non-profits. In 1988, they chose the Dream Factory of Memphis as their charity of choice and it has remained that way ever since. The Dream Factory of Memphis is a non-profit, 100% volunteer organization that grants dreams to critically and chronically ill children ages three through eighteen. In 2007, the River City Ski Club was closed. Fortunately, the Collierville Ski Club was formed that same year and has been the sponsor and key organizer of this event. Some of the original skiers from 36 years ago are in this club and participate annually in the Ski Freeze.
125 N Front St,
Mud Island River Park,
Memphis, TN
Brian Juengling : 901-483-7522