Audra Rajsich, 2010 Honored Patient
I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in September of 2008. I'll never forget that day, that word, "cancer" it hit hard. I knew I had a struggle before me, but what I didn't know was how that diagnosis would change my life.

The first few weeks were a whirl wind of tests, biopsies, surgery, more tests, more blood. Looking back I am so thankful that it all happened that fast, I didn't really have time to think about what it all meant. Then started the chemo, its as horrible in its side effects as it is wonderful in its ability for me to find a cure.

I was sentenced to twelve rounds, every two weeks, fatigue, nausea, bone pain, the whole bit. It's a terrifying feeling being a patient, surrounded by hospital beds, doctors, nurses, drugs, you are helpless. My family was such a comfort to me and somewhere in the midst of the pain I found Joy.

I began to write, I wrote my first email to friends and family, just to let them know of my progress, I believe that first email had fifteen recipients. The more I spoke, the more I realized that cancer was God's way of opening my eyes to the grace that He offered and the love that surrounded me. I ended each note with prayers and praises, my way of finding light in the darkness. I didn't think much of community before this. I pretty much stayed to myself, helped when I could, but much preferred to stay in the shadows.

Suddenly, my escape, my writing, was circling the nation. People I had never met were replying to me and telling me how I was inspiring them. I was inspiring them? I am just a girl with cancer, how is that possible. It was really hard to take at first, I thought of all the people who have it so much harder than I do, they are the ones who deserve the response. There is was again, the spirit tugging at me, community. Before I knew it, my update list was over a hundred and they were forwarding to their friends, and they were all praying for me.

I was first made aware of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society by my brother, a fireman with the city of Boise. He has done the stair climb in previous years and I remember him coming home with stories of patient honorees past. My brother has always been my best friend, he was the one that sat with me every other Friday while I had my chemo. Though I knew the chemo would make me physically feel bad, just knowing I would get to spend that time with him almost made me look forward to it, almost. Like most people do who have a loved one who is battling, he was there for me and very supportive but he wanted to do more. He rallied the guys from Boise fire and they began to hold fundraisers around the valley to raise money for the climb. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend most of those events. The people in this city responded with compassion, generousity and sympathy.

Then came time for the climb last year, it was the weekend before my last treatment. I wasn't sure I would be strong enough for the trip from Boise to Seattle, but I wasn't going to miss it for anything. I stepped through those doors and was flooded with emotion. To see all that went into planning this event, to see all those who give of their own time and energy to participate, my heart was filled. I cant begin to tell you how humbling it was to know that these men and women were there to help me, and others in my situation. Thank you.

Life is never what we expect it to be. The truth is we are all given gifts. They may not be the ones we asked for, and they may not come when we want them to, but it is our choice what we do with them. March 13th 2009 was my last chemo.

May 9th I flew to the Philippines, with the weary permission from my oncologist and a nervous blessing from my parents. I spent three weeks in small mountain villages providing medical care to the residents. Taking a trip like that was something I have always wanted to do, but have never had the courage. Cancer gave me the encouragement I needed, and God opened the door. I realized that I only have one life. I know how it feels to be sick, I know what its like to be scared. So I decided to take that experience and use it to help others who are sick and scared. I now hope to continue to help both in the US and abroad.

I had my port taken out just two weeks ago and I am continuing to pray that cancer is never again within my body . But it will always be in my life, whether I want it or not, it is my gift. A co-worker asked me the other day what was the difference between myself and a relative of hers who had dealt with cancer, she asked why I was inspired and she was not. "Inspired? I'm not inspired." I answered. But I have been given a gift, the Lord has led me down this path for a reason, I am in remission for a reason, I am a survivor for a reason. To be honest, if it were up to me I would never think of, or speak of cancer again. But then I think of all the children who are battling Leukemia and other blood cancers, some for the majority of their young lives. I have been blessed, and I have a story to tell, I have a voice to be heard. If by telling you my story and standing up for all of those who cannot tell theirs, that leads to one more life saved, than my gift becomes theirs.

Thank you for choosing me to be the patient honoree for this years stairclimb, but it is I who am truly honored.

Mackenzie Sollars, 2009 Honored Patient

Mackenzie was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in January of 2004 at age three and a half.

She went on a famiy trip to Disneyland and started to complain that her leg hurt. Upon her return , Mackenzie was diagnosed by her pediatrician, admitted to the hospital and started treatment the same day. She completed 26 months of full-time cancer treatment at Mary Bridge Hospital in Tacoma.

Mackenzie is now a second grader and attends Washington Hoyt Elementary School. She lives with her parents , her older sister and two fat cats in North Tacoma. Her Dad is a Lt. with Tacoma Fire Dept.

Update from Mackenzie's mom:  "Mackenzie just celebrated her 9th Birthday in June and also the five year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is now three years post-treatment and doing well. She loves to ride her unicycle, do gymnastics and play soccer. She thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Fire Fighter Climb this year and all of the wonderful people that she met. Mackenzie would like to thank everyone for all the hard work towards finding a cure! She has her Dad training already for the climb next year." 

An Update on Mason Watamura, 2008 Honored Patient

Mason last year
Mason today

Hello Everyone,

Mason was last year's Honored Patient for the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb and he had a wonderful time. The support for Mason and our whole family was overwhelming. It was truly an honor for him to have been selected to represent this event. Mason was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in February of 2007. He is still in treatment and hopes to be done in May of 2010. We hope at that point Mason remains in remission indefinitely. Thanks to the help from organizations like the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, there continues to be a 85-90% cure rate for patients like Mason.

Mason started kindergarten this year and is doing great. People are often surprised to learn that he has leukemia as they watch him run and play. Mason really enjoys school, having friends over, and playing video games. He has a great high score on Wii bowling. Mason looks forward to any trip to the zoo and is planning to go to the beach this year.

Mason is looking forward to attending the 2009 Firefighter Stairclimb or as he calls it "The Big Race". As a family, we hope to see and talk to many of the wonderful people that we met last year.

Thank you again for your continued support-
Brad, Valerie, Mason, Kyle and Gavin Watamura