Clockwise from top left, Scott McAuliffe, Adam Sprehe, Walter Moorhead, Chris Hatton, Dorianne Sprehe, Jordan Buness, Steve Prysunka, Clay Hammer and Dustin Johnson will be making the climb at this year's Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle. The group already kicked off its fundraising activities early last month, and will be raising money for research and patient care related to blood-borne cancers.
A group of Wrangell firefighters raising money for cancer research will have grown this year, with nine to take part in the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle March 11.
Drawing 2,000 firefighters this year from around the world, the climb benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Washington and Alaska. Founded in 1949, it is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to researching and treating various blood cancers. Last year's climb raised a record $2.4 million for the society's efforts, and in 2018 a new goal of $2.65 million has been set. In its 27-year history, the event has raised over $15 million for cancer research and patient services.
Participating firefighters make a 69-story climb at the Columbia Center, which is the second-tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River. Participants compete for time as they make their climb in full firefighting gear, including air tanks. Six Wrangell firefighters made the trip for last year's event, and several have been taking part since 2013.
Returning climbers include Chris Hatton, Jordan Buness, Adam and Dorianne Sprehe, Dustin Johnson and Walter Moorhead, while first-time participants will be Scott McAuliffe, Clay Hammer and Steve Prysunka. Team Wrangell will also have assistance changing out its bottles, with Shawna Buness to accompany the team.
"We're excited about having nine, plus Shawna," said Hatton.
With 10 people actively raising money for the climb, she's hopeful the crew will be able to beat its previous collections. The Volunteer Fire Department has already been actively soliciting donations, first selling snacks at last month's Midnight Madness, and likely holding a pancake breakfast and pasta feed in the coming months.
A big part of the process is physical preparation, with a stair machine at the fire department garage helping to get Wrangell's firefighters in shape for the strenuous climb ahead.
"The stepper is the best tool for us to practice, but it can also get a bit tedious," said Hatton. Having recently recovered from foot surgery, she has been practicing at the outdoor staircase leading to Rainbow Falls.
Getting into a routine can be difficult, particularly with the holiday season sapping resolve and taking attention.
"The whole holiday season is very counter-conditioning," Hammer admitted. His first climb yet, he hopes to start practicing in earnest in the new year, first at Rainbow Falls.
Another newcomer, Prysunka said his practice would need to hold off somewhat until February, after his wintertime traveling wraps up. He has been practicing at the falls as well, albeit without his gear.
"When you put on all your turnout gear, man, that's a real game changer," said Hammer. "Everything about it I'm having to learn."
Hatton explained the most difficult part is getting one's climbing rhythm down. The climb at Columbia Tower is not straight up a stairwell, and to prevent overexerting oneself one needs to develop a steady pace. She last year was able to make the climb without even changing her air bottle, a feat she would like to try again this year. Hatton said her trick is to practice with a metronome.
More than getting exercise, the climb is about raising funds to combat cancers of the blood. The LLSWA estimates some 58,300 Americans will have died from leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma last year, or around 160 people per day. These illnesses have touched a number of lives, including many of the firefighters taking part in the climb.
Climbers often dedicate their effort to a friend or loved one, and Wrangell's are no exception. Moorhead will be climbing in memory of his late wife, Carol Ross, who passed away in September 2015. Prysunka's wife, Lynn, is a survivor of leukemia, and research such as that supported by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ultimately saved her life.
"I've been watching team members go do it for quite a few years, and was always impressed they were raising money for such a good cause," Prysunka said of the climb.
People can donate with their local firefighters, or can donate online by visiting the http://www.llswa.org website. The Wrangell team page can be searched for through the "Donate" menu. Once located, a person can pick either the team or individual climbers to contribute to, with the site tracking the team's fundraising progress.
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