Evans Wilson, a former competitive runner now suffering from his terminal lung disease, said he expected to finish the race in about 14 hours. He says he used to be able to run a mile in under 5 minutes. Wilson has pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH or PHTN). This means that his lungs are severely scarred and don't process oxygen very well.
Man With Lung Disease Finishes A Marathon Towing An Oxygen Tank
As reported by KVAL, Evans Wilson said his doctor discouraged him from participating in the marathon or any other race, but he decided to do it anyway. “It’s not good for my heart to do marathon like work,” said Wilson. “My doctors have cleared me but they’re not thrilled about it.” Anyway, this was his fits marathon and hopefully not the last one because he inspires many.
He walked the race to raise funds for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. His wife walked with him, also carrying an oxygen tank. According to ABC News, the entire marathon is 26.2-mile race. Wilson told the station that he wasn't running the race for fun but in the hopes of raising $50,000 for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. He says the "disease is incredibly underfunded."
Wilson has been living with both pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension for five years. KOMO News said that the median survival time is about three years. That is kind of a miracle knowing that he is still alive and can do marathon on his own.
Pulmonary Fibrosis And Pulmonary Hypertension
As described by the American Lung Association, Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is one of a family of related diseases called interstitial lung diseases. This disease can result in lung scarring. As the lung tissue becomes scarred, it interferes with a person's ability to breathe. In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis can be found.
Unfortunately, most cases of pulmonary fibrosis have no known cause. These cases are called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). PF can develop slowly or quickly. In some people, the disease stays the same for years. Usually, a person's breathing symptoms become worse over time. A person with pulmonary fibrosis eventually may be short of breath even at rest.
On the other hand, Pulmonary hypertension (PH or PHTN) is an increase of blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, or pulmonary capillaries, together known as the lung vasculature, leading to shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, leg swelling and other symptoms.
Pulmonary hypertension can be a severe disease with a markedly decreased exercise tolerance. It was first identified by Ernst von Romberg in 1891. According to the most recent classification, it can be one of six different types. According to Medline Plus, as PH worsens, you may find it hard to do any physical activities.
