Polar Plunge to Benefit Cobb Family

Bexley Grace Cobb, daughter of Austin and Kylee Cobb, will be the beneficiary of the 2022 Polar Plunge, back after a year’s hiatus due to COVID-19. Event Co-Chair Stephanie Danford said, “Bexley is sharing her love by demonstrating her strength and by bringing our community together for the 6th Annual Polar Plunge!”

The polar plunge will be held at Wolf Run State Park beginning at noon on Saturday, Jan. 29. It is sponsored by the Noble Family Violence Council, Local Roots and Freedom Fitness. “The Polar Plunge is a fun way to support local heroes by jumping or running (or applauding those who do) into the icy cold waters of Wolf Run,” Danford said. “Each year we strive to help young ones and their families, and this year is no different. But instead of two families our hearts were drawn to one family that has one child who has undergone and is undergoing tremendous medical difficulties. So, this year’s proceeds will go to the Cobb family to assist them with medical expenses, travel costs, etc. to help ease the long journey ahead of them. Please read about Bexley below.”

Bexley’s Story:

Bexley Grace Cobb was born on November 10, 2020 in Cambridge. Immediately after delivery she was intubated as she wasn’t able to breath on her own. She was then flown by helicopter to Akron children’s NICU for testing and be seen by specialist. After two days Bexley was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease and was taken to surgery to have half her colon removed and an Ostomy placed. After three weeks Bexley was then diagnosed with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and her family was told she could be ventilator dependent 24/7 for the rest of her life. There are only about 1500 cases worldwide and only a handful of doctors that specialize in it. Bexley then had surgery to have a tracheostomy and feeding tube placed. After three months in the NICU, Bexley was able to come home on February 10, 2021.
For the Next several months Bexley would be in and out of the hospital fighting numerous illnesses, high Co2, and seizures. Bexley is now only on the ventilator when she is sleeping, has had her Ostomy reversed, and only uses the feeding tube for medicine. She enjoys reading on her own, loves animals, and is so full of life!

“So, let’s not only pray for healing but let’s take the plunge together for Bexley,” Danford said.

-Plunging will take place at the beach area at Wolf Run State Park
-Sign-ups will start at noon.
– First plunge will be at 1 p.m.
– Those who plunge will be asked for a $20 donation
– Those who spectate will be asked for a $2 donation
– Each participant will have to sign a waiver
*If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian will have to sign for you.
– Warm food and drinks will be available by donation and provided by Local Roots and families
– A warming tent will also be available
– Music will be provided by Happy Trails DJ’ing
– In case of inclement weather, schedule changes will be announced no later than 11 a.m. the day of the event.
*Yes, we plunge when the temperature is below freezing
– The Noble County Dive Team, United Ambulance and the Noble County Sheriff’s office will be on duty to ensure this is a safe and fun event.

Please research this kind of activity before you participate, especially if you have any health concerns. There is lots of information available about the safety of these types of events.

Contact: Rusty Moncrief, 740-509-0085, Stephanie Danford or Missy Trisler, 740-732-2960.
As in years past, shirts for this year’s plunge that will be available for pre-order until January 14.

For those who would like to donate, there has been a Polar Plunge account created at Farmers & Merchants Bank, or you can give checks to Rusty, Stephanie or Missy and we will deposit them for you.