SHEBOYGAN, Wis., Feb. 3, 2009 – Wigwam is continuing a strong relationship with the Project Athena Foundation in helping women with breast cancer and other medical or traumatic setbacks live their athletic and adventurous dreams. Project Athena is growing fast nationally and recently has gained exposure globally. As a part of this partnership, Wigwam would like to give an update on Project Athena’s latest news.
The most recent Athenaship recipient is 35-year-old Kerrie Larson-Kerkman, an Appleton, WI native. Due to a degenerative spinal condition three years ago, Kerrie had spinal fusion. Although the surgery was successful, Kerrie continues to struggle with residual pain and limitations due to nerve impingement and damage. Prior to her surgery, she lost function in her right leg, making even a 10-minute walk extremely difficult. Despite her ongoing limitations, Kerrie has managed to gain and retain a significant amount of strength and conditioning. “Running continues to be a struggle for me; however, I will never stop running.” With the sponsorship of Project Athena and her fierce determination, Kerrie will be fulfilling her dream of running the Great Wall of China Marathon this May.
“Whether you are jogging around the lake or living an athletic or adventurous dream, Wigwam has the socks to fit Project Athena’s athletes’ needs,” said Margaret Chesebro, field marketing manager for Wigwam. “It always feels good knowing that Wigwam is supporting such a great cause. Seeing the Wigwam logo on the clothing of a heroic athlete like Kerrie Kerkman is truly inspiring for us as a company.”
Wigwam firmly believes that your feet are your foundation and believes in the importance of protecting women’s feet in the early stages of training all the way to the finish line. Along with being honored in supporting such an incredible foundation, Wigwam is committed to providing the best-quality products to its consumers. Wigwam holds responsibility for sourcing the best materials and investing in foundations like Project Athena. With that in mind, Wigwam vows to stand by the Project Athena Foundation as it continues to grow in awareness.
About Project Athena:
Project Athena is a nonprofit foundation that encourages women to not just survive - but also go on to STRIVE after enduring life-altering yet life-affirming medical conditions. Project Athena provides coaching, equipment, travel expenses, entry fees and, most importantly, encouragement and inspiration for women who desire to unleash the athlete within and strive for the goal of a lifetime — whether that be to hike the Grand Canyon, cross the finish line of an Ironman Triathlon, or fall into the arms of a proud family at the end of a local 5K. Donations toward Project Athena can be made on the Project Athena website. www.ProjectAthena.org
About Wigwam:
Wigwam Mills, Inc., was founded in 1905 and is located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It is an authentic American brand that designs, manufactures and markets the knitwear that America grew up with. For more information, visit www.wigwam.com or e-mail Wigwam at socks@wigwam.com. Wigwam has consolidated its previous 20 product categories into five simple competencies, each packaged in a vibrant color of nature. The Sport competency packaging is green, denoting life, nourishment, freshness and green grass. Wigwam…LIFE IS MOVEMENT.