Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
In early March, I will be joining seven fellow firefighters from our department and over 2,000 firefighters from around the world to participate in the 2025 LLS Firefighters Stairclimb. As we ascend 69 flights of stairs in the Columbia Tower in Seattle we will be raising crucial funds for leukemia and related blood cancer research.
Cancer has had a profound impact on my life. My father lost his battle with a rare spinal cancer at the age of 54, and my wife, Lynn, was diagnosed with leukemia—specifically Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)—over 14 years ago. Today, Lynn stands as a testament to the power of cancer research; APL was once one of the deadliest cancers, but advancements have transformed it into one of the most survivable. Despite these breakthroughs, many variants still require significant research efforts to find effective treatments and cures.
Every day, more than 350 LLS-sponsored researchers are making strides toward curing leukemia and related blood cancers. In our region, the LLS funds four researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington Medical Center. Your support helps sustain this vital work that saves lives.
I kindly ask you to consider donating to this important cause. Lynn and I are committed to matching all donations up to $3,000. Last year, we successfully raised over $6,000 and hope to meet or exceed that goal again this year.
Thank you for your time and support. Together, we can contribute to a future where fewer families face the challenges of cancer.
