Founder, A Viking's Challenge

Chris Isfeld’s story with cancer began in the summer of 2017 with what seemed like routine health concerns. Tests revealed multiple liver lesions and masses on both adrenal glands. Just before Christmas, a biopsy confirmed the unthinkable: advanced melanoma.

​

Within weeks, the disease progressed rapidly. Tumours spread throughout his body, and growths in his hips and pelvis left him partially paralyzed from the waist down. At one point, doctors feared he would not survive. Chris remembers being rushed to the ER as medical teams worked to save his legs—and ultimately, his life.

​

He received combination immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) just in time. The treatment was grueling. His body struggled to regulate temperature, pain was constant, and the side effects were intense. But slowly, it worked. The cancer stopped progressing. By December 2018, just one year after diagnosis, Chris was lacing up his running shoes again.

​

Surviving changed his perspective. Through his connection with Save Your Skin Foundation, Chris saw how vital advocacy and patient support are for people facing melanoma. He knew he wanted to turn his second chance into something that would help others.

​

In March 2020, alongside his childhood friend Shawn, Chris ran 30 kilometres across frozen Lake Winnipeg—just three years after being partially paralyzed. Together, they raised nearly $20,000 for melanoma patients. What began as a bold personal challenge became A Viking’s Challenge.

​

Since opening the event to others in 2021, A Viking’s Challenge has grown into a national movement. Participants can run, walk or pledge kilometres anywhere in Canada, or join the in-person race in Gimli, Manitoba. The event embodies the Viking spirit Chris believes carried him through treatment: resilience, grit, and refusing to give up. 

​

To date, the event has raised more than $75,000 to provide financial support to melanoma, ocular melanoma and skin cancer patients across Canada through Save Your Skin Foundation.

​

Chris’s journey, however, has not been linear. In late 2021, the cancer returned. He underwent additional radiation and immunotherapy, and in 2022 enrolled in a clinical trial involving tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Although the trial did not produce the hoped-for outcome, Chris continued forward. More recently, he has faced further surgeries and difficult treatment decisions as he works closely with specialists in Vancouver.

​

Through every setback, one thing has remained constant: his determination to keep showing up—not only for himself, but for others walking this path.

​

Now heading into the 7th annual A Viking’s Challenge in 2026, Chris continues to transform his fight into fuel for change. Whether he is running across a frozen lake or cheering on participants across the country, his message is clear: survival is not just about living—it is about lifting others with you.