1000 Mile Canoe Race for PH

August 15,2024

Let Me Be Your Lungs team member Chris Thomas and his brother Brad took on the world’s longest kayak/canoe race last month, the Yukon 1000! Out of more than 6,000 applicants, only 30 teams were chosen to attempt the thousand-mile race through the pristine wilderness of Canada and Alaska. Of those 30 teams, 23 showed up. As team Dabbling in Paddleism, Chris and Brad raced 1000 miles down the Yukon River from Whitehorse, Canada to the Dalton Highway bridge just 130 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska in support of Chris’ LMBYL partner Cathy Brown! Each team was completely self-supported and had to be prepared to survive in the wilderness. Due to the remote nature of the race, they were required to carry a satellite phone and a GPS tracker.

Chris and Brad came to this event with solid experience in facing challenges and adventure. Chris is an experienced mountaineer with years of training under his belt. Brad is a firefighter and swimmer constantly keeping his body at the ready to face whatever demanding situation might arise.

Each day of the race as they were immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the river and mountains, Chris and Brad faced 18 hours of paddling through brutal wind and waves that had the real possibility of dumping them into 40-degree water. With barely three hours of sleep in a tent each night, severe exhaustion was a constant companion as was extreme muscle soreness. Despite the sufferfest they endured, Chris and Brad supported and encouraged each other through the low points and relished in the thrill of the journey and the time spent together as brothers!

Approaching the finish line at the bridge at Dalton Highway they were filled with gratitude as they saw a handful of friends and family cheering them on! Chris and Brad crushed the race coming in second place with a time of 6 days, 9 hours, and 37 minutes!

In the days following the race, Chris experienced support and recognition from his colleagues at Johnson and Johnson which was very uplifting. Chris came to this race with the same commitment and fervor that he brings to his job as a medical science liaison focusing on education and research in pulmonary hypertension. We are grateful for his role in educating doctors and medical personnel on the current research on PH and the treatment of PH. He is also active in advancing current research.

Chris has raised $7,700 for the mission of Team PH and is planning two more races! He will take on the Alabama 650 which starts on September 21 (racers have 10 days to finish), and the Last Paddler Standing which will start November 30 (continues until 1 racer is left).

“Paddling 1000 miles is nothing compared to what patients with PAH go through each day. We’re honored to take part in such an event to help raise awareness and funds for a cure. Thanks to everyone who followed us on our journey, those that will be following along for future racers, and especially those that have donated to support Team PHenomenal Hope!” -Chris

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