A team of Manteca firefighters are joining the Firefighters Stair Climb Sunday, March 10, in the world’s largest stair climb competition in the upcoming fundraiser at the downtown Seattle Columbia Center to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma.

All 2,000 participants are career or volunteer firefighters who will climb up the second tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi — and the tallest in Seattle — in full turnout gear weighing over 50 pounds.  There are 69 flights of stairs, 1,356 stairs, and 788 feet of vertical elevation.

Although an extreme test of physical endurance, it pales in comparison to what blood cancer patients endure.  All proceeds raised directly benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Since its inception in 1991 it has raised over $17 million.

The Manteca team formed by the local firefighters association has already been soliciting donations throughout the city offices and the community.

Travis Gooch has raised $2,972, Wes Chamberlain $1,287, Brett Jones $1,401, Brian Macias $512, Sterrie McLeod $1,268, Austin Rioux $882, and Franco Torrice $1,368. They have raised over $10,000 to date. 

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.