|
What began as a desire to win a free vacation has
blossomed into a 25-year journey up thousands of flights of stairs and
in turn, helping advance research to fight a deadly disease.
Twenty-five years ago, Russell Gill needed a
vacation. Short on cash, he heard the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s
Central Ohio Chapter was holding "Climb for A Cure," a charity stair
climb event. Participants climb the Rhodes Tower
in Columbus
to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis research. The person who raised the
most money would be rewarded with a free trip to Toronto . Gill, an avid fitness enthusiast, knew
he could win, thus a tradition was born.
"I’ve probably won 50 free trips between the Cystic
Fibrosis Stair Climb and other charities," said Gill. "My desire to win
a trip has transformed into a passion for raising money for worthwhile
charities. My other passion is being the ‘Jack LaLanne’ of Columbus
and doing physical events that challenge me."
Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease affecting the
lungs and digestive system. It causes the body to produce thick mucus
which clogs the lungs causing infections and obstructs the pancreas,
disrupting the breakdown of food. Currently, there is no cure for this
disease which affects 30,000 people in the United States .
Over the last 25 years, Gill, a 55-year-old bass
player for the Columbus Symphony has raised $394,767 for the Cystic
Fibrosis foundation, and other local charities. He is also an avid
marathon runner, participating in six races each year. In addition, Gill
holds the world record for most stairs climbed. In 1994, he climbed
44,255 stairs, equivalent to 26,712 feet in nine hours, 16 minutes and
24 seconds.
"Russell Gill means a great deal to this event",
said Shayna Daubert, Director of Special Events at Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation of Central Ohio. "There were a couple of years where he was
the reason the event continued. He does a great job fundraising. Last
year he raised over $10,000 for the event. People relate "Climb for A
Cure" with Russ Gill."
What makes Gill’s support even more phenomenal is
he has no friends or family suffering with Cystic Fibrosis. He just
believes the organization is a worthy cause. Gill says the foundation
donates 90 cents out of every dollar to funding research of the disease.
This year Gill trained for six to eight weeks prior
to the event at Lifestyle Family Fitness’ Downtown Columbus location. He
spent three days a week working out on the elliptical and treadmill and
an additional three hour workout on the Stairmaster.
"I don’t think there is any bigger fitness
challenge, aside from mountain climbing, than climbing up a 41 story
building 50 times," Gill said.
Daubert explained that special measures are taken
for Gill’s participation in the event that was held back in February
2007. He begins climbing at 9 p.m. the night before and goes through the
night all the way until 11:30 a.m. Gill goes up 50 times, more than the average participant who
climbs it five to ten times.
Gill wasn’t trying for any world records this year,
but he was working to encourage others to get involved in the event and
become aware. "I’d love to challenge fellow members of Lifestyle Family
Fitness to participate," he says. "I realize that climbing 50 times up a
41 story building may be an overreach physically. I think every member
should have no problem climbing the Rhodes Tower at least once."
This February, Russell reached his goal of climbing
the 835 steps of the Rhodes Tower 50 times in about 13 hours. The Cystic
Fibrosis raised $30,000 and Gill was responsible for $11,500 of that
total.
"Due to the success of Climb for A Cure this year
we are able to get one step closer to a cure. And without exceptional people like Russ Gill this event would be
nearly impossible," Daubert said.
For more information about the "Climb for A Cure"
event and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation visit www.cff.org
|