In honor of Steve Porter
Event Date: March 10, 2024
Climb. Conquer. Cure.
What is the LLS Firefighter Stairclimb?
The LLS Firefighter Stairclimb is the world's largest on-air stair climb competition, and annual fundraiser held at the second tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi. The Columbia Center, located in downtown Seattle, WA, consists of 69 flights / 1,356 steps / and 788 Ft. of vertical elevation gain. All 2,000 participants are career, volunteer, or retired firefighters who will climb in full turnout gear, weighing over 60 pounds, while on-air. All proceeds raised will directly benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
WHY CLIMB?
Last year, I climbed in honor of my childhood best friend. Jacob 'Jake' Raymond Stoneking (10/10/1994 - 10/16/2014) who passed away after battling Brain Cancer. I completed the climb with an official time of 25 minutes and 14 seconds. Thank you to all who donated!
This year, I am climbing in honor of my Uncle, Steve Porter, who passed away in May 2023 from Glioblastoma - also a form of Brain Cancer.
ABOUT STEVE:
Steve was a mechanical engineer for over 35 years and loved building and fixing things. He travelled all over the U.S. and abroad for his job and had a great love for people and travel. But mostly he loved spending time with family.
Among his special interests, Steve loved driving. Cars, dirt bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters , lawn tractors, road bikes, mountain bikes and tandem bikes. He and my aunt participated in Cycle Oregon for many years as well as the Ride to Defeat ALS, and many other organized rides throughout Oregon, California, and Washington.
Steve was humble, kind, provided wise counsel, and was an all round good man. He was driven and stubborn in his pursuits. Steve was a total warrior when it came to his cancer diagnosis. He fought Glioblastoma brain cancer for 3 years which was a rare survivorship in an aggressive disease that takes most people quickly. He never lost his incredible spirit, good nature, or his faith during his battle.
This year as I prepare for the stairclimb I will be training and fundraising with his memory in mind - and to help other warriors battle the challenges they face, including those with Leukemia & Lymphoma.
MY GOAL FOR 2024:
Raise $2,500 and complete the climb with an official time of 22 minutes or less.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and sincere generosity in this cause worth climbing and fighting for!
