The Pickle Breakers are returning to the court this November 29–30 for another world-record attempt at Pickler Universe —
this time with a powerful purpose to raise money for Texas pro pickleball player Thomas Wilson, who is undergoing treatment for a serious health condition requiring costly stem cell therapy — estimated at $22,000 per session and Thomas will need multiple
sessions. Wilson, one of the sport’s most respected and beloved professionals, has been open about his ongoing health challenges and his hope that stem cell treatments can help him recover.
The Pickle Breakers team — composed of Chong “CK” Kim, Laura Maala, Geneva Olson, and new teammate Cristobal Del Castillo — first made headlines earlier this year with their 36-hour mixed doubles world record attempt. That event drew coverage from outlets like
The Kitchen, Pickleheads, and Pickleball.com, as well as local TV networks.
The Pickle Breakers, led by Chong “CK” Kim, are turning their second world record attempt into a mission of hope and healing. "Thomas represents everything this sport is about — grit, heart, and community,” said CK Kim, founder of Pickle Breakers. “We’ve broken
records before, but this time we’re breaking them for something much bigger than ourselves.” The 40-hour rally will take place at Pickler Universe in Carrollton, Texas, and will be live-streamed nationally for fans to follow every serve, smash, and milestone.
Thomas Wilson
In early 2024, Thomas Wilson was living his dream. After years of balancing a demanding software career with the professional pickleball circuit, he made the bold decision to leave tech behind and pursue the sport full time. His momentum was undeniable — reaching
#2 in the world in mixed doubles and ranking among the top 10 in men’s doubles.
Off the court, Thomas and his wife Brittany had already endured a long and emotional battle with infertility, marked by multiple surgeries and setbacks. Their faith and perseverance ultimately led them to the greatest blessing of their lives — the adoption
of their two daughters, Holyn and Haven.
But in May 2024, Thomas’s path took an unexpected turn. He was suddenly struck by a rare autoimmune and autonomic nervous system disorder that began attacking his body — impacting his breathing, circulation, and muscle endurance. The condition was initially
feared to be life-threatening, forcing Thomas to step away from the tour and focus on recovery.
It wasn’t the first time he’d faced such adversity. The previous year, Thomas had survived a series of cardiac events that caused his heart to race above 320 beats per minute on five separate occasions — an ordeal few survive. After successful corrective surgery,
that battle was behind him. Yet this new medical mystery has proven far more complex.
Thomas has pursued treatment across the country and internationally, including advanced therapies such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), IVIG, and stem-cell therapy. Through it all, his faith, family, and community have remained his foundation.
Today, Thomas’s mission is clear: to heal fully, inspire others, and return to the pickleball court not just as a competitor, but as living proof that faith, love, and perseverance can overcome even the hardest battles.
The Pickle Breakers are returning to the court this November 29–30 for another world-record attempt at Pickler Universe —
this time with a powerful purpose to raise money for Texas pro pickleball player Thomas Wilson, who is undergoing treatment for a serious health condition requiring costly stem cell therapy — estimated at $22,000 per session and Thomas will need multiple
sessions. Wilson, one of the sport’s most respected and beloved professionals, has been open about his ongoing health challenges and his hope that stem cell treatments can help him recover.
The Pickle Breakers team — composed of Chong “CK” Kim, Laura Maala, Geneva Olson, and new teammate Cristobal Del Castillo — first made headlines earlier this year with their 36-hour mixed doubles world record attempt. That event drew coverage from outlets like
The Kitchen, Pickleheads, and Pickleball.com, as well as local TV networks.
The Pickle Breakers, led by Chong “CK” Kim, are turning their second world record attempt into a mission of hope and healing. "Thomas represents everything this sport is about — grit, heart, and community,” said CK Kim, founder of Pickle Breakers. “We’ve broken
records before, but this time we’re breaking them for something much bigger than ourselves.” The 40-hour rally will take place at Pickler Universe in Carrollton, Texas, and will be live-streamed nationally for fans to follow every serve, smash, and milestone.
Thomas Wilson
In early 2024, Thomas Wilson was living his dream. After years of balancing a demanding software career with the professional pickleball circuit, he made the bold decision to leave tech behind and pursue the sport full time. His momentum was undeniable — reaching
#2 in the world in mixed doubles and ranking among the top 10 in men’s doubles.
Off the court, Thomas and his wife Brittany had already endured a long and emotional battle with infertility, marked by multiple surgeries and setbacks. Their faith and perseverance ultimately led them to the greatest blessing of their lives — the adoption
of their two daughters, Holyn and Haven.
But in May 2024, Thomas’s path took an unexpected turn. He was suddenly struck by a rare autoimmune and autonomic nervous system disorder that began attacking his body — impacting his breathing, circulation, and muscle endurance. The condition was initially
feared to be life-threatening, forcing Thomas to step away from the tour and focus on recovery.
It wasn’t the first time he’d faced such adversity. The previous year, Thomas had survived a series of cardiac events that caused his heart to race above 320 beats per minute on five separate occasions — an ordeal few survive. After successful corrective surgery,
that battle was behind him. Yet this new medical mystery has proven far more complex.
Thomas has pursued treatment across the country and internationally, including advanced therapies such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), IVIG, and stem-cell therapy. Through it all, his faith, family, and community have remained his foundation.
Today, Thomas’s mission is clear: to heal fully, inspire others, and return to the pickleball court not just as a competitor, but as living proof that faith, love, and perseverance can overcome even the hardest battles.