Carson City, East Fork Firefighters to participate in 'Stairclimb' fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Firefighter Stairclimb is the world's largest on-air stair climb competition and annual fundraiser held at the tallest building in town, the Columbia Center in Seattle, Washington.
Firefighters from both East Fork Fire District in Douglas County and Carson City are participating in the fundraiser, and will be raising money for the fundraiser until the Stairclimb in March.
Kevin "Bubba" May of East Fork has been participating in the Stairclimb for three years, and will soon be embarking on his fourth.
"I’m an individual competitor but I’m kind of part of a team of 12 climbers climbing from East Fork Fire," said May. "I climb because I have some personal friends who have battled blood cancer, as well as a few family friends whose kids have. How (the Society) uses the money raised is important to me and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society does an excellent job. It is also a great opportunity for me to challenge myself physically and mentally."
And a physical feat it is at that. Participants will climb 69 Flights, 1,356 Steps with 788 Ft. Vertical Elevation.
All 2,000 participants are career, volunteer, or retired firefighters who will climb up the second tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi in full turnout gear, weighing over 60 pounds, while on-air.
"Throughout this grueling course, we all remember that every step forward is representative of moving closer to a cure," said a representative of the Stairclimb. "Although this is an extreme test of physical endurance, it pales in comparison to what blood cancer patients endure."
All proceeds raised directly benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and since its inception in 1991, this event has raised over $20 million thus far.
For Kevin May's fundraiser of the East Fork Fire District, click here.
To donate to the Carson City Fire Team's fundraiser, click here.