2026 Ambassadors
Meet our Ambassadors
Rich Brown – Lead Ambassador – Boise Fire Department
Region: Southern Idaho & California
[email protected]
“Goal to raise $200,000.00 before I retire. Bottom line, I climb to raise money for the LLS! I started climbing in honor of my father in law and one of my best friends, both were survivors. My father-in-law is still cancer free. During the preparation for the 2012 climb, my friend began fighting his blood cancer (AML) for the third time. Horribly, his fight ended when he passed November 6, 2011. While a very difficult time to go through, this was also my catalyst to which I thought, I can do better, I can raise more money toward the hope others will not have to endure these bold cancers. Raised over $150,000 for LLS. I would love to celebrate more blood cancer survivors and see that no one else suffers like our family and friends have fighting blood cancer.”
- Fundraising Tip: Let everyone know you are climbing! If they don’t know they do not have the opportunity to sponsor you and donate to the LLS. Get outside of your comfort zone!
Dave O’Connor – Lead Ambassador – Nampa Fire Department
Region: Southern Idaho & California
[email protected]
“The best part of participating in the climb is hearing and seeing the stories and lives that are truly affected by the success of this event. What drives me is the constant reminder of how important it is to find a cure for this heartbreaking illness. I have had the opportunity to climb for family members affected by leukemia and lymphoma, as well as many close friends. Please remember, although the climb itself may be a grueling 15-20 minutes for us, there are those that go through much more every day fighting for their life to beat blood cancer. I climb so that one day when I reach the top we will have more survivor photos rather than memorial photos, which means we have found a cure!!”
- Fundraising Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask, and ask everyone! Be creative with your approach.
Scott Robinson – Lead Ambassador – Coeur d’Alene Fire Department
Region: Idaho & Central/Eastern Washington
[email protected]
“I first started participating in the event because it sounded like a cool event. I didn’t have a connection to the mission, I just wanted to try climbing. After my first year participating a family friend was diagnosed with blood cancer and the reason behind the event became much more important. The more I get involved, the more people I seem to know who have a connection to the mission, and the more I want to help raise funds to support LLS. I want to help as many people as I can raise as much money as they can to support cancer research.”
- Fundraising Tip: When you ask people to support you in your fundraising efforts, be ready to help them donate right away. Have the link to your website saved on your phone so you can be ready to accept donations all the time.
Soren Lowe – Lewiston Fire Department
Region: Idaho & Central/Eastern Washington
[email protected]
“I started climbing to remember one of my classmates, Dirk Peterson. Dirk was diagnosed with Leukemia at the young age of 14. Dirk lost his courageous battle to leukemia 14 months later. I remember calling and talking to him and him telling me that it was a tough fight, but that he would be coming home soon. I will never forget that call and the enthusiasm behind his voice. My brother Shane Lowe (Captain with Boise Fire) and I started to make the Stairclimb an annual event that we would fundraise and climb together and to never forget the purpose for the climb; to remember those who have perished and those currently battling some form of blood cancer. The Firefighter Stairclimb is in my mind one of the best fundraising events out there. All the proceeds go to such a great cause, climbing 69 floors in full firefighting gear while on air reminds me of just how big of a fight these brave people with cancer have, and how miserable it can make you feel. But most important, giving it your all and continuing to raise millions of dollars each year, through perseverance, we will find a cure! We are all here for you every step of the way. I climb, WE climb, for YOU and THEM! Let’s kick cancer: CLIMB, CONQUER, CURE.”
- Fundraising Tip: Don’t be shy when asking people if they want to donate. Be enthusiastic and educate them on just what exactly your raising money for, and how EVERY little contribution helps. Fundraise with your team: Strength in numbers will help you raise more money.
Keith Johnson – Arlington Fire Department
Region: Western Washington
[email protected]
“I climb because it allows me to contribute to a cause that is very important to me. I’ve known many people in my personal and work lives that have been affected by leukemia and lymphoma. Being an Ambassador allows me to help my fire service brothers and sisters raise funds for LLS, to treat, and eventually cure blood cancers.”
- Fundraising Tip: Advertise your fundraising events with your local newspaper and TV stations to get the maximum amount of people showing up to donate for the cause. Also, the biggest hand out donations usually come from seeing firefighters in full gear, on a stepmill”
Nathan Richard – Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department
Region: South & East Coast
[email protected]
“At 18, I joined the Fire Department in my home town, our motto, “Deeds not Words,” inspires me to act. Two years ago, my soon- to -be Seattleite wife, told me about this climb and what it stood for; climb, conquer, cure and I immediately was drawn to the mission. Not only was I able to make a small difference for the foundation but, I created lasting relationships with like minded individuals that continue to encourage and embrace this mantra. I am excited about committing myself to a cause dedicated to improving the lives of those dealing with uncertainty, physical pain, and struggle.”
- Fundraising Tip: Use your talent to entice people to give. In New Orleans, I’m a chef and have the ability to donate my time cooking for fire houses. They always “pass around the boot” and give! I love woodworking so, I utilized social media to create a giving competition where I make king cakes and handmade cutting boards as prizes for my highest donors. Get creative, keep it fun, and use your own expertise.
Troy Maness – East Helena Volunteer Fire Department
Region: Montana
[email protected]
“I became involved with the Firefighter Stairclimb in 2014 as a participant. In 2015, I became an ambassador for Montana to pass on my passion for such a great cause. The Firefighter Stairclimb has a special spot in my heart as I climb for a young man who is leukemia survivor, for my daughter-in-law who also is a childhood leukemia survivor, and for all those who fight these horrible blood cancers. I climb to see a cure be developed in my lifetime. I enjoy fundraising for this great cause, as someday we will conquer these blood cancers. Climb, Conquer, Cure is more than just words to me, it’s a mission!”
- Fundraising Tip: Be creative and don’t be afraid to ask.
Brandon Wall – Templeton Fire Department
Region: California
[email protected]
“I’m a Fire Captain/Training Officer with the Templeton Fire and Emergency Services since 2008. My desire to participate in the Firefighter Stairclimb started many years before the feat was accomplished. Following the passing of my uncle to cancer in 2014, I accepted the challenge and made the trek north from California to pay homage to my uncle’s battle. Upon arriving on the 73rd floor for the first time that year, I quickly discovered this was not to be a one-time endeavor. Bringing back stories of a significant challenge, new friends, and a great cause, I returned in 2015 with 6 other fellow climbers from among the Templeton Fire Department ranks. By 2017, our team increased to over a dozen. As a firefighter this is my way of helping find a cure for cancer. I climb for those who can’t.”
- Fundraising Tip: No matter what it is don’t be afraid to fundraise.
Daniel Kono – San Jose Fire Department
Region: California
[email protected]
“I climb for Deputy Fire Chief Jim Martin. He lost his battle to job-related cancer in 2015. Seeing his procession, funeral, and the camaraderie in the fire service inspired me to pursue a career in this field. I now climb for those who can’t, and want to raise as much money as possible to work towards finding a cure.”
- Fundraising Tip: One fundraising tip I would share is don’t be afraid to get out there and ask your friends, family, and coworkers. Local grocery stores are a great place to start and you can be surprised how much you can fundraise in just a few hours.
Robert Hays – Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
Region: Oregon
[email protected]
COMING SOON: Why I Climb
- Fundraising Tip: Stay tuned!
Scott Thorsteinson – King County Fire District 2
Region: Western WA
[email protected]
“I climb because luckily I still can. I do it for the ones fighting cancer and the ones that gave a great fight. The climb is not easy but I’m ready for the challenge.”
- Fundraising Tip: Set attainable goals, accomplish those and set new goals.
Travis Bootes – Sisters Camp Sherman Fire Department
Region: Oregon & Alaska
[email protected]
“I participate in the pursuit of a cure. LLS is an amazing nonprofit and this event brings firefighters from all over the world together, in an incredible event, as we climb and raise funds to get us closer to cancer cures. I’m excited to help other participants be successful as we fundraise and climb in 2022.”
- Fundraising Tip: Ask everyone in your family and keep posting in on social media as much as possible.
Jason Bostic – Retired
Region: Southwest, Midwest, & International
[email protected]
“I first started with the LLS Climb in 2007 and was hooked before I stepped foot in the building. I took part in this to honor my mom Peggy (CML survivor diagnosis 1986, BMT 1990). I love the spirit of this event and everyone involved. I am blessed to champion for and help be a part of making this event bigger. Climbing allows me to pay it forward for whats been done for my family.”
- Fundraising Tip: You have to ask. The person you don’t may not know of the opportunities and chance to make a difference. Make your fundraising personal.
Tiffany Honey – Whatcom County Fire Department
Region: Western Washington
[email protected]
“I climb so that someday someone won’t have to experience what my family and I went through when I was diagnosed. The tears…the questions…the unknowns…the worries…There are so many emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis and someday no one will have to experience them. I’m excited to help others as we step up this year, and support firefighters in being successful fundraisers and climbers.”
- Fundraising Tip: Just ask! It seems so simple and easy but truthfully you’d be surprised at the amount of yes’s you get just by asking.
Emily Loging – Caledonia Fire
Region: Minnesota
[email protected]
“Every year, I climb for children with cancer. I know first-hand how scary hospitals can be when you’re young. Nobody, no matter the age, should have to go through this horrible disease. I have an amazing support system behind me and I want everyone else to know they have an army of all of us behind them. I want to see the day when blood cancer is just a chapter and not the whole story.”
- Fundraising Tip: Just ask! You would truly be amazing in how many people will donate if you simply just ask!
Tiago Pacheco – Okanogan County Fire District #6
Region: Washington
Contact Information Coming Soon!
COMING SOON: Why I Climb
- Fundraising Tip: Stay tuned!