35^th Annual
Blood Cancer United Firefighter Stairclimb
Seattle, Washington
Sunday, March 8, 2026

In August of 2025, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) 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 non–medical 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 73^rd 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.

Our History of
Race Results and Fundraising Totals

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

Five of our volunteers, Neil Benson, Brian Hobday, Tim Kim, Steven Scheer, and Jason Sunell are once again set to conquer the 69 floors of the Columbia Center in full structural firefighting gear at the 35th Annual Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle. You can show your support and make a difference in the fight against blood cancer by donating to the BCU on behalf of our volunteers. Follow this link to make an online donation.

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

31st Annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 13, 2022
LVFD Fundraising Results - $1,824

• Neil Benson - 50 minutes, 50 seconds - 1,166th place finisher
• Brian Hobday – Team Member, Fundraising Efforts
• Jason Sunell – Team Member

30th Annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb
Virtual Event
Saturday, May 15, 2021
LVFD Fundraising Results - $1,034

• Neil Benson – Team Member, Fundraising Efforts, Virtual Climb Participant
• Brian Hobday – Team Member
• Jason Sunell – Team Member

29th Annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb
Virtual Event
Saturday, June 13, 2020
LVFD Fundraising Results - $3,583

• Neil Benson – Team Member, Fundraising Efforts, Virtual Climb Participant
• Brian Hobday – Team Member, Fundraising Efforts
• Jason Sunell – Team Member, Fundraising Efforts

28th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 10, 2019
1,459 Participants
LVFD Fundraising Results - $3,780

• Brian Hobday - 16 minutes, 46 seconds - 213th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 23 minutes, 2 seconds - 1,125th place finisher

27th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 11, 2018
1,857 Participants
LVFD Fundraising Results - $2,874

• Brian Hobday - 18 minutes, 17 seconds - 322nd place finisher
• Neil Benson - 31 minutes, 58 seconds - 1,573rd place finisher

26th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 12, 2017
1,795 Participants
LVFD Fundraising Results - $2,830

• Brian Hobday - 19 minutes, 41 seconds - 524th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 20 minutes, 32 seconds - 641st place finisher

25th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 6, 2016
1,794 Participants
LVFD Fundraising Results - $3,588

• Scott Beagle - 19 minutes, 22 seconds - 507th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 22 minutes, 1 second - 852nd place finisher
• Jason Sunell - 27 minutes, 39 seconds - 1,354th place finisher

24th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 8, 2015
1,712 Participants
LVFD Fundraising Results - $2,545

• Scott Beagle - 20 minutes, 14 seconds - 600th place finisher
• Neil Benson - 25 minutes, 2 seconds - 1,101st place finisher
• Jason Sunell - 26 minutes, 11 seconds - 1,187th place finisher

23rd Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb
Sunday, March 9, 2014
1,652 Participants
LVFD Fundraising Results - $1,847

• Scott Beagle - 20 minutes, 53 seconds - 673rd place finisher
• Ryan Andreessen - 21 minutes, 17 seconds - 718th place finisher