František Omelka
Štafeta
"Štafeta" by František Omelka is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story is set in Nome, Alaska, during a tense period when a diphtheria epidemic threatens the local population, particularly children. The narrative follows Doctor Welch and the perilous quest to transport vital serum across treacherous Alaskan terrain, emphasizing themes of bravery, sacrifice, and community. The opening of the novel introduces the harsh conditions of Nome, describing a cold January evening in 1925, where the community is preparing for a children’s play. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when it is revealed that an epidemic of diphtheria has broken out, raising alarm among the townsfolk. As the doctor learns of the dire need for serum to combat the disease, he quickly devises a plan to form a relay, or "štafeta," of men who will transport the serum from Nenana to Nome. The urgency is palpable as volunteers are called, leading to the emergence of characters willing to risk their lives for the sake of others.