After nearly nine years and eleven fundraising events, the 24 Hours for Hank organization has raised $925,000 for cystinosis research. Founded after Hank Sturgis, the son of two Sandpoint locals, developed cystinosis, the organization has helped inspire local skiers and bikers to rally together for a cause.

Cystinosis is an incredibly rare disease, affecting only 2,000 people worldwide. This disease causes buildup of cysteine, an amino acid which slowly destroys the kidneys, liver, muscles, eyes, white blood cells, and central nervous system. If left untreated, cystinosis will cause total kidney failure by the age of ten. Side effects like abnormal sensitivity in the eye, difficulty swallowing, excessive vomiting, and developmental delays also become a factor of everyday life for Hank and those with cystinosis.

Due to the small population affected by cystinosis, money for developmental research is scarce. The pledges and donations received by the bikers and skiers competing in 24 Hours for Hank events make a huge impact on the future of cystinosis research.  

Unlike past years, the 2017 24 Hours of Schweitzer competition will include two different challenge categories. The “blue square” challenge will feature child friendly activities as well as a variety of challenges around the mountain. The “black diamond” challenge will include more difficult activities and points for amount of runs each team completes. The endurance category, which was previously based solely on the amount of runs completed in 24 hours, is no longer a part of the ski event.

24 Hours of Schweitzer is scheduled for March 24-25 at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.