Sudburians take the plunge to help fight cancer

Chantal Larochelle has a bucket list, but after today, she can scratch off jumping into the ice-cold water of Long Lake on a cold winter day.

Larochelle was one of more than a dozen people to take the plunge on Saturday as part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s fifth annual Polar Bear Plunge for a Cure.

“It also for a really great cause,” she said of why she jumped into the water. “I’ve been affected by cancer, and I thought this would be a cool way to do something fun and support a good cause.

“It was crazy. When I was changing into my bathing suit, I was thinking to myself that I had to be nuts for doing this. Once I jumped in, I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ But, then I jumped in two more times, so it wasn’t as bad as I first thought. It’s that first jump that really affects you.”

Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault also participated. And, while the look on his face as he emerged from the hole in the ice told may say otherwise, he said it wasn’t nearly as bad as he thought it would be.

And, that seemed to be the consensus, as jumpers would warm up in a sauna only to come back for seconds, even thirds.

“It was definitely an experience,” said Larochelle. “It was exhilarating – I would definitely do it again, and if you haven’t tried it, I would recommend it.”

Frank Grossi, owner and operator of Talos Steel Ltd., played host to the event.