Against The Odds: Nome Serum Run – Race Against Death (Episode 1: Outbreak)

Release Date: January 28, 2025 | Host: Mike Corey, Wondery

Introduction

In the chilling winter of 1925, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, faced a dire health crisis. An outbreak of diphtheria threatened the lives of countless children, forcing the community to confront the harshest elements nature could offer in a desperate bid for survival. This episode of Against The Odds delves into the heroic efforts to transport life-saving antitoxin serum across treacherous landscapes, highlighting the resilience and determination of those involved in what became one of history’s most perilous supply missions.

The Outbreak in Nome

[05:57] Mike Corey sets the stage by introducing Nome, a once-thriving gold rush town now home to approximately 1,400 residents. In January 1925, Dr. Curtis Welch, the town’s sole physician, begins to recognize the signs of diphtheria—a highly contagious and often fatal disease, particularly among children. The situation escalates rapidly as five children succumb to the illness, and dozens more fall ill.

Dr. Welch, overwhelmed by the lack of viable treatment options, realizes the only hope against the epidemic is antitoxin serum. However, Nome’s isolation, sealed off by the frozen Bering Sea, makes transporting the serum by ship impossible. Without prompt action, Nome faces a catastrophic outbreak with a mortality rate nearing 100% among infected children.

The Quest for Antitoxin Serum

Faced with an imminent crisis, Dr. Welch convenes an emergency meeting with Nome’s town council, led by Mayor George Maynard. [06:45] Welch emphasizes the urgency: “We don’t want another pandemic on our hands.” The council discusses potential solutions, understanding that immediate action is crucial to prevent a widespread epidemic reminiscent of the devastating 1918 flu pandemic that had previously ravaged the region.

With limited antitoxin serum available—only 80,000 units, where patients typically require 20,000 to 40,000 units—there’s an urgent need to secure more to treat Nome’s growing number of patients. Dr. Welch acknowledges the grim reality: “Without more antitoxin serum, most children diagnosed with diphtheria are likely to die within a few days.”

Planning the Relay Mission

The town faces a logistical nightmare: how to obtain the necessary serum and deliver it to Nome swiftly. Governor Scott Bone is tasked with making a critical decision between two precarious options—airplane delivery or a dog sled relay. [12:30] Bone grapples with the decision, ultimately opting for the dog sled relay despite the extreme weather conditions, acknowledging the high risks involved with both methods.

Mark Summers, superintendent of Hammond Consolidated Gold Fields, champions the dog sled relay approach. [28:35] Summers proposes a multi-part relay system, involving multiple mushers and dog teams to cover the vast 700-mile journey efficiently. “We have to try,” he urges, emphasizing the necessity of leveraging experienced mushers to maximize the chances of success.

The Decision for Dog Sled Relay

Governor Bone’s decision underscores the community’s reliance on traditional methods over emerging technologies. Skeptical about the viability of airplane transport in the harsh Alaskan winter, Bone recognizes that dog sleds, despite their own challenges, offer a more controlled and reliable means of delivery. [22:17] He acknowledges the limitations of airplanes, recalling the tragic pilot crash from the previous winter and deciding that dog sleds are their best hope to safely transport the serum.

Mark Summers and Leonard Seppala's Role

Leonard Seppala, a seasoned Norwegian musher with decades of experience in Alaska’s unforgiving terrain, becomes a pivotal figure in the relay mission. Trusted by Summers, Seppala prepares his team and dog sleds for the arduous journey ahead. His lead dog, Togo—a 12-year-old husky renowned for his exceptional leadership and endurance—embodies the spirit of resilience required for the mission. [35:01] Seppala’s unwavering commitment is evident as he equips his sled and sends his family off with determination: “The children of Nome, including my daughter, will be counting on me.”

Wild Bill Shannon's Struggle

Wild Bill Shannon, another key musher, represents the perilous nature of the serum run. Faced with extreme cold, shifting ice, and an impending blizzard, Shannon embarks on his leg of the journey, determined to deliver the serum at any cost. [48:31] His encounter with lung scorching in his dogs and his own battle against hypothermia highlight the severe physical toll the mission exacts. Despite these hardships, Shannon exemplifies the relentless bravery essential for such a life-and-death quest.

The Harsh Journey

As Seppala and Shannon navigate the treacherous Alaskan wilderness, their dog teams push through blinding snowstorms and treacherous ice fields. [36:21] The narrative captures the profound bond between musher and dog, showcasing how Togo’s instincts and Seppala’s leadership are crucial in overcoming the relentless challenges. The sleds traverse vast frozen landscapes, their progress a testament to human and animal endurance against overwhelming odds.

At one point, Shannon confronts a blizzard that nearly halts his progress, forcing him to make split-second decisions to preserve both his and his dogs’ lives. Meanwhile, Seppala relies on Togo’s keen sense of the shifting ice, maneuvering the sleds away from perilous cracks and open waters. [35:08] The suspense builds as both mushers battle against time and nature to ensure the serum reaches Nome before it’s too late.

Conclusion

The first episode of Against The Odds paints a vivid portrait of a community’s fight for survival amidst one of Alaska’s most harrowing health crises. Through meticulous research and immersive storytelling, Mike Corey captures the bravery, strategic planning, and sheer willpower that defined the Nome Serum Run. The episode sets the stage for an epic tale of determination and heroism, leaving listeners eager to follow the continuation of this extraordinary race against death.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Curtis Welch (05:57): “Without more antitoxin serum, most children diagnosed with diphtheria are likely to die within a few days.”

• Mark Summers (28:35): “We have to try. Tell anyone who's game to have their fastest team harnessed up and ready to go.”

• Leonard Seppala (35:01): “The children of Nome, including my daughter, will be counting on me.”

• Wild Bill Shannon (48:31): “Children's lives are on the line.”

Further Information

For those interested in delving deeper into this historical event, Mike Corey recommends the book The Cruelest Miles by Gay and Laney Salisbury. This comprehensive account provides additional context and details surrounding the Nome Serum Run and the individuals who risked everything to save a community.

Listen to Against The Odds on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now to follow the entire Nome Serum Run saga as it unfolds over the subsequent episodes.