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International
NAME: DeeDee Jonrowe
AGE: 54
HOMETOWN: Willow, Alaska
HUSBAND: Mike
OCCUPATION: Kennel owner and dog racer
DeeDee Jonrowe, was born in Frankfurt, Germany, while her father was in the military. In 1971, the family moved to Alaska, where her dad was stationed at Fort Richardson. Jonrowe has a B.S. degree in biological sciences and renewable resources.
She says, "The Iditarod has become my lifestyle choice that permitted me a chance to celebrate Alaska's history and the partnership that dogs have had in it. I have had a chance to experience this relationship and to bond with the Alaskan culture that I admire. God has blessed me with the health to once again travel through His most beautiful handiwork, experiencing a reflection of His unconditional love thru the bond I have with my team. The volunteers and residents of rural Alaska are an important element of the experience for me, and I am blessed to continue participating in this race."
Despite her constant drive and motivation, Jonrowe believes health (she’s had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer) and age are creeping up on her and this is her last, best chance (and 28th attempt) to achieve her dream of winning the Iditarod. Though she's got a dangerous bacterial leg infection and is on five antibiotics, her hopes of winning are still high.
Jonrowe is a member of the Valley Women's Running Team and the Big Lake Baptist Church. She says in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her Labrador retrievers and Pekingeses, as well as mountain running. She is also a triathlete and bike racer.
More: We had questions, DeeDee answered them
All the mushers from the series:
