Antarctica Marathon an Unforgettable Experience for NASS Member
Isador Lieberman, MD
Texas Back Institute Plano, TX
I recently returned from Antarctica where I ran the 20th anniversary Antarctica Marathon. I ran on behalf of the Blue Card foundation in honor of my late father (Max Lieberman 1924 - 2000 Z'L'), who was a Holocaust survivor. He endured the harshest of conditions in his effort to survive, as did many millions of other Jews and political prisoners.
Today, very few Holocaust survivors remain and many live in isolated conditions with no mental, physical, or financial support. The Blue Card is an organization that supports these individuals. We must never forget these atrocities and ensure that the remaining survivors do not feel isolated and desperate. I am so grateful to all who supported the Blue Card foundation.
The trip was an epic journey. Antarctica is so vast and spectacular, every view is a postcard picture. By virtue of the flat Union Glacier and the towering Ellsworth Mountains, you completely lose depth perspective, and you have no idea if the mountains are 5 miles away or 50 miles away. Likewise, the 24 hours of sunlight is a unique and disorienting experience. While in that magical place, you realize just how insignificant each one of us is compared to the magnitude of Antarctica.
The race itself was memorable, however, more substantial was the lifelong friendships that were created over the 10-day span we were together. I had the privilege of meeting some of the most interesting and diverse individuals on this planet. Each one had a story to tell and wisdom to share.
I have been privileged to travel far and wide, see many places, and explore many cultures. Despite that, the setting and the people made this mission to support the Blue Card the most memorable experience I am sure I will ever have.
