Several firefighters from the Tri-Cities are now coming home after spending the weekend in Seattle for the stair-climb to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“We're not here to compete so much as we are to help out people in need,” said Nathan Schweiger, firefighter with Pasco Fire Department.
More than 1,300 steps to the top of Seattle’s Columbia Tower. Over 2,000 firefighters took on this challenge for a good cause.
“When Jessica got diagnosed with leukemia we went to Seattle and until we got up there and settled we were just like freaking out,” said Rose Hoard. Her daughter Jessica was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 11.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society helps families like Rose's. Both her daughter and husband were diagnosed with leukemia. She says the support helped tremendously.
Schweiger has been raising money and training for months but he said the climb still seemed daunting.
“Each group goes in battalions. Everyone's all nervous and scared. You walk outside and look up and you can see the whole tower. And it's like oh gosh I have to go 69 flights,” Schewiger said.