Exactly one hundred years ago, January 1925, the town of Nome was the largest settlement in northern Alaska. In the winter the seas around it would freeze, preventing ships from reaching it. The weather was often so bad that planes couldn't reach it either. The only way to get there was through the Iditarod Trail, which passed through hundreds of miles of treacherous wilderness.
That particular year, the isolated town faced tragedy as the diphtheria epidemic struck. As the contagion spread, the local doctors found that most of the medicine meant to stop it had expired. What little remained would not be able to save everyone who had already fallen ill. Some residents had already passed away from the disease.
Upon hearing of their plight, aid was organized. With the sea and air routes too dangerous to use, the only way to save the town was to traverse the Iditarod Trial. Unfortunately, the serum would last only six days under the brutal conditions of the trail...and the trip there normally took thirty.
A relay of dog sled teams was organized, the medicine was placed in their care. (One team was led by the legendary dog Balto.) Their mission was to traverse several mountain ranges, rivers, and even the frozen sea itself to reach Nome in time to save the town. The teams fought their way through wind and snow that often made it impossible to tell where the trail actually was. The drivers and their dogs faced frostbite, hypothermia, and even being frozen to their own sleds.
But they succeeded. Not a single ampule was broken during the trip. Together, the teams covered over 650 miles in slightly over five and a half days, a world record. It was done in extreme subzero temperatures in near-blizzard conditions and hurricane-force winds.
There is a special quality we have when we come together, determined to preserve the well-being of others. It enables us to bring strength and hope to those around us. As we begin a New Year, may we carry forward that spirit of unity and purpose, prepared to face any distance to reach brighter days ahead.
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