Why I’m Climbing…

69 Flights I 1,356 Steps I 788 Ft. Vertical Elevation
Hello! I will be participating in the LLS Firefighter Stairclimb in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This year I’m climbing for 2 people. First is my cousin Brian Warner. Brian is a Christian man. He is a West Point graduate and a patriot who served his country honorably. Brian is also a loving and devoted husband, father, and son. Several years ago, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, and the prognosis was grim. He was active and healthy when Leukemia came out of nowhere. Through Brian’s faith in Jesus Christ, and the peace that comes with that; through the prayers and support of his family and friends; and by God’s grace,  Brian recently celebrated 5 years cancer free! From a distance, I watched Brian exercise peace and calm through the storm. What a testament to his faith in Christ, and to the man that he is. It is my privilege to climb to honor Brian and all that he has been through.

The second person I’m climbing for this year is Donna Marie Miner. She is the mother of my friend and coworker Todd Miner, who is the driver of Engine 20 on “Dog” shift. Donna passed away due to an event that happened because of Leukemia. Donna was a selfless person who lived to bring joy to others. She gave of herself to benefit everyone else. That was her life’s mission. That’s why she worked at Disney World for well over 20 years; she wanted to be a part of putting a smile on the faces of everyone who came through the gates. That is how Todd described his Mom to me. I didn’t know Donna, but I know her son. Knowing the kind of man that Todd is, and how much he loves and sacrifices for his family, gives me a glimpse of the amazing woman who raised him. I can see the love he has for her in his face when he talks about her, and that speaks volumes about the kind of woman she was. I look forward to meeting Donna one day, over there or in the air. Donna has found a place in my heart and it is my privilege to climb to honor this special woman.

This disease does not discriminate. You can be healthy or unhealthy, in shape or out of shape, young or old, rich or poor. It doesn’t matter. Leukemia strikes unexpectedly like a snake in the grass you can’t see. I’m a late entry in the stairclimb, so I have not been given much time to train; only 6 weeks. I started  2 weeks ago and I have about 4 weeks left. I haven’t worked out consistently in years, but right now I’m training as hard as I can. I want to push myself. Brian and Donna went through discomfort, so I’m going through discomfort. They went through pain, so I’m going through pain. My experience in this is obviously nothing compared to what they went through, but this is the only way that I know how to show them my respect. They will be on my mind on March 10th, motivating me, pushing me to give it everything to the end. Please consider making a donation today to partner with me in this, to raise money that will benefit blood cancer patients everywhere. Hopefully, one day soon, the money raised will produce a 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 tallest building in town, the Columbia Center. 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. 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 $22 million thus far.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and sincere generosity in this cause worth climbing for.