36^th Annual
Blood Cancer United Firefighter Stairclimb
Seattle, Washington
Sunday, March 7, 2027

Since 2014—the first year the LVFD sent a team of volunteers to Seattle to participate in the annual firefighter stairclimb—the event has undergone two name changes. In 2020, it shifted from the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb to the LLS Firefighter Stairclimb to place greater emphasis on the benefiting organization, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Then in August 2025, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society officially changed its name to Blood Cancer United. This rebranding reflects the organization's commitment to not only support and improve the lives of those affected by leukemia and lymphoma, but to also include those who have been diagnosed with any of the other 100+ different types of blood cancers.

This global nonprofit organization is hopeful that, along with their broader and more welcoming identity, they can better reach, serve, and connect with the entire blood cancer community, making certain that every patient feels engaged and supported in their care, regardless of their stage of treatment. While LLS is expanding on its name, their passion, their programs, and their mission will remain the same. They will continue to provide personalized information and support to patients and their families; offer financial assistance for nonmedical costs; fund crucial blood cancer research; and advocate for policies that ensure accessible, high–quality, affordable healthcare.

Since the organization's first firefighter stairclimb in 1991, this event continues to challenge each participant to climb 69 floors of stairs (1,356 steps) to the Sky View Observatory located on the 73rd floor of the iconic Columbia Center. To add another level of difficulty to the already arduous journey, each firefighter must be outfitted in full structural turnout gear including boots, pants, coat, and helmet which traditionally can weigh in excess of 60 pounds. In addition to the extra weight of the equipment and other physical challenges, the firefighters must also use their self–contained breathing apparatus every step of the way.

35th Annual Blood Cancer United Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 8, 2026
LVFD Fundraising Results - $8,963

Fire Division: Must wear full structural gear including boots, pants, coat, and helmet. Breathing apparatus must be worn and used for the entire climb.

• Brian Hobday - 18 minutes, 56 seconds - 391st place finisher
• Neil Benson - 44 minutes, 42 seconds - 1,797th place finisher
• Steve Scheer - 32 minutes, 19 seconds - 1,547th place finisher
• Timothy Kim - 20 minutes, 33 seconds - 577th place finisher

Open Division: May wear any athletic apparel and shoes. A helmet must be worn and breathing apparatus must be worn and used for the entire climb.

• Jason Sunell - 24 minutes, 30 seconds - 21st place finisher

34th Annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 9, 2025
LVFD Fundraising Results - $19,654

• Brian Hobday - 18 minutes, 15 seconds - 284th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 34 minutes, 41 seconds - 1,636th place finisher
• Jason Sunell - 24 minutes, 46 seconds - 1,085th place finisher
• Steve Scheer - 26 minutes, 32 seconds - 1,226th place finisher

33rd Annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 10, 2024
LVFD Fundraising Results - $9,005

• Brian Hobday - 19 minutes, 52 seconds - 424th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 32 minutes, 04 seconds - 1,456th place finisher
• Jason Sunell - 33 minutes, 21 seconds - 1,506th place finisher
• Steve Lauer - 24 minutes, 20 seconds - 961st place finisher

32nd Annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 12, 2023
LVFD Fundraising Results - $2,874

• Brian Hobday - 22 minutes, 14 seconds - 747th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 37 minutes, 06 seconds - 1,474th place finisher