Becky Bean, a dedicated registered nurse at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, is used to being on the front lines—whether she’s providing critical care in the Emergency Department (ED), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or leading her team of sled dogs through the rugged terrain in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In a unique blend of compassion and grit, Bean has found that both nursing and dog mushing require the same core skills: teamwork, endurance, and adaptability.
The CopperDog 150, which will take place from February 28 to March 2 in Calumet, Michigan, is a highly anticipated event that draws over 350 sled dogs each year to race through the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula. The event features three races: the CopperDog 150 (122 miles), the CopperDog 80 (76.5 miles), and the CopperDog 25 (14 miles). While the CopperDog 150 is the longest race, it’s the CopperDog 80 that’s captured the heart of Bean, who will be competing in the eight-dog, two-stage race.
“There are a lot of similarities between nursing and mushing,” said Bean. “Both require you to be quick on your feet, remain calm under pressure, and work as part of a team. In the ED and ICU, you’re constantly assessing your patients and adapting to their needs. In mushing, it’s about reading the trail, understanding your dogs, and knowing when to push forward or pull back. Both require an incredible amount of trust.”
Bean’s love for sled dog racing began years ago, and since then, she’s become a staple in the mushing community. This year, she’s taking on the CopperDog 80, an intense race that will test her endurance and bond with her eight-dog team. Her nursing experience, she says, has taught her patience and how to stay focused on the bigger picture, skills that come in handy when navigating through harsh conditions in the sled.
“We are incredibly proud of Becky and her commitment to both her role as a nurse and as a competitor in the CopperDog 80,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Regional Communications & Engagement Coordinator. “Her dedication to excellence in patient care is mirrored in her training and perseverance as a dog musher.”
As Bean heads out onto the snowy trails of the Keweenaw Peninsula, she carries with her the hope and encouragement of the entire community. She is, after all, a true representation of what it means to care—for patients, for dogs, and for her community.
“We are incredibly proud to support the CopperDog, an event that aligns with our mission to heal people, promote health, and strengthen communities,” said Jenich-Laplander. “Many members of our Aspirus family are actively involved in this event—whether through volunteering, planning, or participating—and it’s a true reflection of our commitment to the community.”
To support Becky Bean and all the racers at this year’s CopperDog, visit, https://copperdog.org/ for more information. And whether you’re a nurse, a musher, or a local fan, get ready to cheer on these incredible athletes as they take on the challenging terrain of the CopperDog races February 28 – March 2, 2025.