Climb. Conquer. Cure. 
March 26th, 2023

This will be my 10th time participating in the Seattle Big Climb for LLS.

It started due to a close friend being diagnosed with AML and a desire to show support for her and her wife as they faced the huge challenge of going through chemo, radiation, and a cord blood transplant (not to mention the ongoing toll treatment took on her).

Since then, I have heard numerous stories about how cancer has impacted people's lives and why this work is so important.

Today, I was reminded of it in a way that hit differently. I attended the funeral service for an otherwise healthy 50-year-old man who left behind a wife and son due to a Leukemia diagnosis that occurred a mere 5 months earlier.

5 months, that’s all it took for cancer to ravage his body to the point where nothing could save him. It is heartbreaking. It is gut-wrenching. And it is why I continue to fundraise and ask for your support. Grants funded by LLS dollars have improved the treatment of blood (as well as other) cancers significantly over the last decade. In fact, in the last 15 years, over $20 Million has been invested in Washington state research projects alone. $3.5 million is currently invested in local research projects at Fred Hutch.

Unfortunately, it's not enough. Every three minutes, someone in the US is diagnosed with blood cancer. More than one-third of blood cancer patients do not survive five years after their diagnosis.  We have to do more for patients and their loved ones. LLS is a leader in advancing breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine. This research saves lives. Your support is appreciated. Every dollar counts

Until there's a cure, 

Christina 

What is the Big Climb?
The Big Climb is a stair climb up the Columbia Center - the tallest skyscraper in downtown Seattle. There are 69 flights of stairs, 1,311 steps, and 788 feet of vertical elevation. Although it's difficult, it pales in comparison to what blood cancer patients go through. All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

I started climbing 10 years ago to support a friend who was diagnosed with AML, but I continue to climb for all people impacted by cancer

Who is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Every day, more than 347 LLS-sponsored researchers come closer to the goal of finding a cure for leukemia and related blood cancers. Locally, LLS funds 10 researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington Medical Center. Your support and commitment to the mission of LLS enable us to continue this important work of saving lives and aid us in our ability to reach patients in our community.

Thank you for your time and I hope that you will consider donating to this cause!