For firefighter Leah Tuck, this year’s Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge is personal. This June, she will climb all 57 stories of Brookfield Place in Calgary to honour those impacted by cancer, including her grandmother.
“In 2023, I lost my grandmother to cancer. She was an incredible role model, and her strength never wavered, even in her hardest moments,” Leah said.
Leah said her grandmother faced the disease with determination and kindness. Her journey changed Leah’s perspective on what it means to be strong.
“Watching her go through that battle showed me just how powerful resilience can be. She never lost her kindness or her will to fight,” Leah said.
The Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge is an annual event that brings together firefighters from across the country to take on a grueling physical test while raising awareness and funds for those affected by cancer. Climbing 57 storeys in heavy gear simulates the extreme conditions firefighters endure in the line of duty. The event also highlights the increased risk of cancer among firefighters due to exposure to harmful toxins in their work.
Leah is climbing to raise awareness for those facing cancer and to support the important resources that Wellspring Alberta offers to help individuals and families through their diagnoses. Every firefighter who takes part does so for a reason, whether it is in memory of a loved one, in support of a friend, or as a reminder of the risks they and their colleagues face.
“Every step I take will be in honour of my grandmother, my friends battling cancer, and anyone who has been affected by this disease. No one fights alone. Together, we can make a difference,” Leah said.
The Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge is not just about endurance. It is a show of solidarity, proving that even when the climb is steep, no one has to face it alone.
