Evans Wilson, a man battling a lung disease, ran the Seattle Marathon and was able to complete it in 11 hours. Mr. Wislon is more than ecstatic because he thought it would take him more than 13 hours.
Wilson, who is a retired real estate agent, spoke to local media and explained that he did the grueling walk of 26.2 miles to raise funds for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The former competitive runner accomplished the amazing feat while having difficulties breathing and while dragging an oxygen tank behind him.
Wilson is hoping to collect $50,000 for the foundation because it has been revealed that it is not receiving the money that it needs to conduct the necessary research to help those fighting lung illness.
For the past three years, Wilson has been raising awareness of pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. According to medical experts, pulmonary fibrosis, also known as PF, is an “interstitial lung diseases that can result in lung scarring.” When the lung tissue is scarred, it makes the person’s breathing ability complicated. Pulmonary hypertension is a “type of high blood pressure that affects arteries in the lungs and the heart.”
The former athlete has been doing everything in his power to inspire people to donate to his cause. His FirstGiving page for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has collected $20,000 towards his goal of $50,000.
It appears that his accomplishment at the Seattle Marathon has gotten him a lot of media attention and significant contributions. He has also dyed his hair blue – the color of the association, but residents in Washington assumed that he was paying tribute to the Seahawks. He said:
“The first 10 miles went pretty well. Then it got hard… I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish by mile 17.”
He added:
“Sometimes you have to do something that’s just a little dramatic if you want to get some attention.”
Wilson went on to say that he is grateful for his wife, who was a volunteer at the marathon and was right by his side to switch his oxygen tanks when they ran out. He concluded the interview by saying that he hopes that his healthy eating habits, regular exercise regime, and good genes will help him live a long life. He said:
“I’m really fortunate I have good genes. My mom is almost 102. She was living on her own and driving until she was almost 99.”
Online commenters are applauding his performance and showing a lot of respect.