CHICAGO — More than 2,000 people took on the stairs of Willis Tower Sunday during the 18th annual SkyRise Chicago, a fundraiser supporting Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Participants climbed roughly 2,149 steps to reach the Skydeck on the building’s 103rd floor. The challenge drew people with a range of experience, including first-time climbers and returning participants who have made the event an annual tradition.
Prince Walker said he had spent the year preparing for the climb and was pleased with his progress. “I trained all year, and I did better this year,” he said.
Thomas Baker was among the quickest climbers, completing the ascent in a reported 15 minutes.
“You’ve got to come out here and have a fun time in the tallest tower,” Baker said. “You get to finish with even better views.”
The steep climb tested participants’ endurance, but cheers from fellow climbers and spectators helped keep them moving toward the top.
Jill Paha, a longtime participant from Grayslake, completed the climb in 17 minutes.
“It makes me feel good. It makes me look good. I’m doing good for others and inspiring others,” Paha said. “It’s my sport. It’s my happy place.”
SkyRise Chicago has raised money for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for 18 years. The hospital provides specialized rehabilitation for people recovering from serious injuries, neurological conditions and other medical challenges.
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“We see a wide range of patients — people who have experienced strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and complex orthopedic injuries,” said Kyle Bisping, a clinical manager at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “This really helps us achieve our mission of advancing human ability.”
Organizers said climbers participate for a variety of personal reasons. Stu Fagan, 85, a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient living with Parkinson’s disease, returned hoping to beat the more than 66 floors he completed last year.
“Shirley Ryan is just fantastic. It’s really given me a new life,” Fagan said.
Chicago Police Department Sgt. Mike Dineen began taking part after receiving care at the AbilityLab for a traumatic brain injury. He has returned for the tower climb every year since.
“People in the lab who are patients now can see someone like me who went through what they’re experiencing and got better,” Dineen said.
Hand cyclists also joined the fundraiser. Organizers said the event is expected to generate more than $1 million for the hospital and its rehabilitation programs.
For many climbers, reaching the Skydeck was only part of the achievement. They also came to help Shirley Ryan AbilityLab continue caring for patients and advancing its work to improve human mobility and independence.
To learn more about the nonprofit, click here.
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