What started as a fun, annual event took on a special meaning for a Weyauwega family.
For the last six years, Steve and Cindy Kramer have hosted a polar plunge in the small pond on their property on New Year’s Day.
The event is attended by close family and friends, with several willing to take the plunge with the encouragement and support of those on shore.
This year, the family decided to raise money during the event.
The recipient of the nearly $1,120 was ThedaCare’s Remembering Through Sharing Pregnancy Loss Program.
The program provided comfort and support in a time of need for the family’s middle daughter, Cristy Mihna.
Mihna, of Amherst, was more than five months pregnant when she lost her twin daughters.
Cindy Kramer praised the staff at Appleton Medical Center for their support and the services which followed.
“I don’t think my daughter and her husband would have made it through without the support,” she said of Cristy and her son-in-law, Joshua. “There was just so much support from everybody.”
The couple learned about the Remembering Through Sharing program and attended a special event at the Gardens of the Fox Cities in Appleton. They also participated in the Walk to Remember and Annual Candlelight Memorial Service.
When the Kramers sought an organization to support, the Mihnas suggested the Remembering Through Sharing program.
“It’s for them and the memory of the girls,” said Kramer, noting that having the connection helped with the raising of the money, which is still coming in. “It’s way, way over what we expected it to be.”
The family hopes the money will be used toward the annual walk and hat boxes which are given to families.
Joan Heller, the Remembering Through Sharing coordinator, attended the event and said the donation is appreciated.
“We are solely funded by donations,” she said. “This will help us continue our mission to serve those who are going through such a devastating loss in their lives.”