Climb. Conquer. Cure.

69 Flights I 1,356 Steps I 788 Ft. Vertical Elevation

Hello and welcome to my fundraising page, I recently accepted the challenge to participate in the 32nd annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb on Sunday, March 12, 2023 in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I am a Firefighter for the San Jose Fire Department. I joined SJFD in March 2020, just weeks after the rest of the country was locked down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. My 2020 cohort and I faced unprecedented challenges joining SJFD during a global pandemic. I hope to use those leadership skills as one of the SJFD Team Captains this year as our team travels to Seattle for the 2022 firefighter stairclimb. 

In support we climb,

Charles Aquino
Team Captain
San Jose Fire Department

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 a test of physical endurance, I know from experience that it pales in comparison to what cancer patients like my brother endured. The stairclimb also reminds me to be thankful for each and every step, and each and every breath. All proceeds raised directly benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and since its inception in 1991, this event has raised over $20 million thus far.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and sincere generosity in this cause worth climbing for. Any amount, great or small, helps in the fight.