A World Untouched by
Man
Journey
through Life and the Cold Rugged
North
Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation
Headline
News - July 2010
Katy
Deardorff,
Development/Communications Intern
For
three days Earl Stone, 50, visited a
world untouched by man. In chilling
20 degree weather, Stone began his
third annual snowmobile trek in
Springstead, WI and journeyed
through the Porcupine Mountains,
Copper Harbor, Lake Gogebic, and
many other places located in
Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula, covering 520 miles.
Though this is a sizable feat to say
the least, Stone had more than snow
to worry about on his trip. He has
been living with mild hemophilia
since he was diagnosed at the age of
8. While bleeding disorders can be
restrictive, Stone proves they do
not have to control one’s life.
“Hemophilia does not necessarily
have to limit you…but you have to
take the proper precautions,” he
added.
Metaphorically, Stone looked before
he leapt. He traveled with two other
experienced snowmobilers, and
carried a cell phone and GPS at all
times. Because he takes his factor
only as needed, Stone did not need
to routinely infuse on the trip.
However, his major concern was
keeping his factor product from
freezing. So Stone relied on his one
constant source of heat, his body.
“I carried my factor product inside
my snowmobile suit to keep it from
freezing,” Stone said.
Stone realized he needed to be
self-sufficient with his medical
care, because of the remoteness of
his location. He took precautions by
wearing safety vests and other
protective gear. Because of medical
advancements, Stone said he felt
confident enough to take on a trip
of this intensity.
To educate himself on medical
advances, Stone has looked to the
Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation
for information and help since its
founding in 1974. “Through their
ongoing education, legislative
advocacy, and volunteer
opportunities, Great Lakes
Hemophilia Foundation has supported
me throughout my life.”
When Stone is not out exploring the
wilderness, he spends much of his
time in Wauwatosa working at his
Insurance Agency, or out playing
racquet ball to maintain his
strength and agility for next year’s
adventure.
The material provided in Headline
News is for your general information
only. GLHF does not give medical
advice or engage in the practice of
medicine. GLHF under no
circumstances recommends particular
treatment for specific individuals,
and in all cases recommends that you
consult your physician or treatment
center before pursuing any course of
treatment.
