Central Alberta firefighters taking part in Wellspring Stairclimb Challenge for cancer support

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“Their commitment and passion are what make this such an amazing event. This year, as we celebrate our monumental tenth anniversary, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before. We have a lot planned for the participants, ensuring this milestone year is truly unforgettable.”

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While the event is a test of firefighters’ fitness, it also highlights occupational risks, including heightened cancer exposure.

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READ MORE: Important piece lacking, firefighters say, with Alberta’s expansion of presumptive cancer coverage

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In Alberta, there are 20 presumptive cancers recognized as occupational hazards as a firefighter.

Irina Peters, a firefighter with Red Deer County Protective Services since 2014, is doing the Stairclimb Challenge for the eighth time, and is captain for the County’s team of 10.

Red Deer County firefighters and a representative from Wellspring recently took part in training for the upcoming Stairclimb Challenge. (Supplied)

“When I do the challenge, I’m just thinking about how many people I’m helping by raising that money,” says Peters, who moved to Canada from Europe with a passion for helping community.

“Everybody asks me about how difficult it is doing all those floors. They think it’s heavy. But it’s not heavy. It’s not difficult. I’m thinking of those who are fighting cancer, and that, for those people, is what’s difficult. Going up the stairs for 20 minutes is not difficult.”

Firefighters from the area who are participating serve the communities of Red Deer County, Elnora, Spruce View, Blackfalds, Lacombe, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Clearwater County, Stettler, Maskwacis, Bashaw, Clive, Didsbury, Eckville, Olds and Three Hills.

Participants in the event wear only their boots, helmet, and a provided self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), this after an important directive in spring 2023 which halted the use of regular firefighter turnout gear.

The Stairclimb Challenge was founded in 2015 by Kathy Blas, sister of fallen Calgary firefighter Gord Paul.

To support the event, visit calgarystairclimb.com. More about Wellspring is at wellspring.ca.

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