Climb. Conquer. Cure.

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

This year, our team will be climbing in honor of a young boy named Lars Stark Royster (10/19/17-6/5/21) who lost his life to blood cancer at the age of 3. Lars was the son of Tanner and Cassie Royster. Mike Williams from the Bellevue Fire Department met Cassie at the Big Climb with the Regalado Family last year and was saddened by the passing of Lars.

Lars was a special boy who was loved dearly by all who had the honor of knowing him. He loved music (swaying back and forth to his favorite tunes), toy cars, bubbles and books. He would analyze every detail of his toy cars and every picture in his books. He was a true joy.

In May 2019, Lars was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Bainbridge Ropers Syndrome. Lars was non-verbal, but his infectious smile and laugh could light up a room. He was quite expressive and clearly enjoyed making others laugh. He was a real charmer from the start. In November of 2020, Lars was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). By May of 2021, Lars’ ALL was re-diagnosed as mixed phenotype acute leukemia. By June of 2021, his cancer had progressed past the point of treatment options. After a traumatic hospice experience, Lars passed away on June 5,2021.

Cassie and Tanner continue to be consumed by the pain of losing their son. Lars went through so much during his life which was so tragically cut short, but always had a bright twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face.

Last year, Cassie traveled from Colorado to Seattle to participate in the civilian Big Climb with the Regalado Family. It was tough and very emotional, but it is important to both Cassie and Tanner that their son’s memory is kept alive. Cassie will be joining Team Lars at the Big Climb with the Regalado gang again this year. Tanner and Cassie are humbled and incredibly grateful that BEFD will be climbing in Lars’ honor this year.