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Keizer firefighters climb stairs, raise funds for CF in Climb for the Cure

 

Keizer firefighters are competing for a GOOD cause – cystic fibrosis research.

Wearing 70 pounds of full “combat” gear, firefighters from across the country, including those from throughout the Willamette Valley, will climb the 800 steps of the 40-floor U.S. Bancorp Tower in full gear as part of the fourth annual Portland Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge, “Climb for the Cure.” Held Sept. 23, the event raises funds for cystic fibrosis, a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract and other areas of the body.

Last year, more than 350 firefighters, representing 65 fire agencies, raised more than $100,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Keizer team raised more than $3,150 for CF research, and this year’s goal is $5,000.

“The Stairclimb is challenging,” said Jim Simpson, a volunteer firefighter with the Keizer Fire District, competing in his 10^th race with about 16 other KFD members. “It’s a race for firefighters only, and we are competitive!”

Scott White, owner of Big Town Hero in Keizer, donated a portion of his Saturday sales while Simpson and a other firefighters climbed a stair machine in full gear to train and gain awareness for the event.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this without Scott’s support,” Simpson said.

For White, supporting this and other GOOD events is the best kind of advertising.

“I have transitioned all of my advertising funds to support the community,” he said. “I try to get involved in community events through donating water bottles, chili feeds, or being a location for events like this.”

Wes Loucks, an organizer of the Stairclimb, has been a firefighter for 32 years, and likes helping people in any way he can.

“CF makes it difficult to breathe, and as firefighters, we understand that,” said Loucks, who has two young grandsons with cystic fibrosis.

“It’s a fun event,” he added. “Family friendly with music – even bagpipers!”

 

For more information visit:  www.portlandstairclimb.com

To donate to the Keizer Fire District team call: 503-390-9111

To donate to the Salem Fire District team call: 503-588-6245

 

 

Keizer Fire Department, Portland Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge