Water skiers, wake boarders invited to 'freeze' for a good cause | Community Spirit

(WMC-TV) – If you have thick skin, a passion for water skiing, and a sense of adventure – we have just the event for you.

Water skiers, wake boarders, and even barefoot skiers are welcome to brave the icy waters of the Mighty Mississippi on January 1 to help make a 13-year-old girl’s dream come true.

The Collierville Water Ski Club is hosting the 36th annual Ski Freeze event on New Year’s Day.  The event will raise money for The Dream Factory of Memphis, which grants dreams to children ages three to 18, who are diagnosed with critical or chronic illnesses. 

For a $30 donation, you can cut through the wake of a boat provided by Memphis Boat Center, who will pull participants through the near-freezing Mississippi waters.

Money raised at this year’s event will be used to grant 13-year-old Haylie K’s dream.  Haylie is diagnosed with Complex Dysautonomia, an illness that causes dizziness, fainting spells, fatigue, nerve pain, and stress intolerance, among other things.  Haylie must have someone with her 24 hours a day.  She recently had a pacemaker implanted, which has helped her out a great deal.  Her dream is to have a service dog that can help her in case she has an episode, but if the pacemaker continues to help, she may no longer need a dog.  If that is the case, her next dream would be a shopping spree.

If you would like to help make Haylie’s dream come true and you are looking for a new adventure to kick off the new year, you can pre-register for the event at the Ski Freeze website.  Registration will also take place on New Year’s Day at 10:30 a.m. at the Mud Island River Park Boat Ramp. 

Skiers and wake boarders must bring their own equipment, and a wet suit is highly recommended, but not required.

For more information about the event, Haylie, and to see more photos from past Ski Freezes, click here.