Mike Ritchie will make Big Climb for cancer research

Even when done virtually, there is nothing more real than the Big Climb in Seattle.

Let La Conner resident Mike Ritchie explain.

“The Big Climb,” he says, “is a stair climb up the Columbia Center, the tallest skyscraper in downtown Seattle. There are 69 floors of stairs, 1,311 steps and 788 feet of vertical elevation.”

Ritchie and others in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will take on the Big Climb from coast to coast on May 15 as a major fundraiser benefitting blood cancer research.

“Although it will be challenging,” Ritchie said, “it pales in comparison to what blood cancer patients go through.”

Ritchie has set a $5,000 personal fundraising goal for his role in the Big Climb. He has already received $1,140 in pledges on his Facebook social media page.

All monies go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest voluntary health organization devoted to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families, Ritchie said.

Ritchie, who earlier this year helped launch a local citizen’s group that was successful in increasing the amount of area preserved as public park space at historic Hedlin’s Ballfield on Maple Avenue, said LLS funds 10 researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

“Our efforts will help make a big difference in the fight against blood cancer,” he said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has altered lives and changed the Big Climb format, it has not slowed down Ritchie and fellow LLS volunteers.

“Like many of you,” he said, “I have had a very challenging year. In September, we lost our amazing mom, Cindy, to cancer. It was a sobering reminder that cancer pays no attention to what is happening in the world.

“We were fortunate enough to honor one of her bucket list items, a trip to Yellowstone,” he added. “That trip gave me the chance to not only spend quality time with my mom, but to reflect on the importance of our work with LLS.”

That work resonates with many, given the response thus far to Ritchie’s donations appeal on Facebook.

“Your support and commitment to the mission of LLS enables us to continue this important work of saving lives and aids us in our ability to reach patients in our community,” Ritchie said.

Those wishing to be participants in the Big Climb 2021 can do so no matter where they reside. There is no cost to register, though climbers are encouraged to use participation as an opportunity to fundraise for LLS.

Registration is available on-line via the LLS Big Climb National webpage.

“Every step you take will help fuel the research and care that has made the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society the gold standard of cancer non-profits,” an LLS spokesperson stressed.

Ritchie agrees.

“I can’t thank you all enough for your support,” he said.