Dan Jansen is from West Allis, Wisconsin and a World Sprint Champion and Gold Medal Olympic Speed Skater. At the 1988 Winter Olympics, his sister, Jane, who was battling leukemia, had passed away on the morning of the 500 meter event, in which he was favored for a gold medal. He left with no medals, but became the recipient of the US Olympic Spirit Award for his valiant efforts through tragedy.
In 1994, Dan went to his fourth Winter Olympics and in his final race, the 1000 meter event, he defied expectations and not only finished first, but set a new world record. He dedicated the gold medal to his late sister, then took one final victory lap around the rink with his one year old daughter, Jane. He was chosen by his fellow Olympians to bear the U.S. flag at the closing ceremony at the 1994 Winter Olympics. For his efforts, Dan received the 1994 James E. Sullivan Award, given to the top amateur athlete in the United States. He was elected the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2005. Shortly after retiring from the sport, Dan wanted to continue honoring his sister Jane and created the Dan Jansen Foundation to help families whose children have cancer. Since the charity began, the Foundation has provided financial support to over 1000 families and raised over $1 million.
“This event that I am the proud host of, wouldn’t be possible without the continued and generous support from our friends and businesses who care about the mission of my Foundation and Cool Kids Campaign. Since my celebrity event began with Cool Kids in 2015, we have been able to purchase a condo in Myrtle Beach, SC for the families to use while their kids go to treatment. Also, in January 2020, we opened the doors to the Cool Kids Clubhouse which is in my honor and proud to serve on the board of the Cool Kids Campaign. Together, we will continue to put smiles on all the faces of these children with cancer and their families. – Thank you for your support.”
