On March 7,  20 firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District 7 will race up 69 floors of the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The annual Scott Firefighter Stair Climb features firefighters from all over the world as they climb 1,311 steps in full bunker gear, weighing approximately 50 pounds. This year, Fire District 7 firefighters will be climbing in honor of Colton Matter.

"This event is something I look forward to every year," said Firefighter Bill Ekse, who is participating in the event for his 12^th year.  "This year is especially meaningful because we are climbing in honor of Colton, a young boy in our community with leukemia."

Nine year old Colton was diagnosed with leukemia on September 11, 2009. He was involved in a scooter accident that eventually led doctors to discover he had leukemia. It was determined that it was a high risk case and the ultimate cure would require a bone marrow transplant. In early January, Colton received his transplant. He continues to fight bravely and is doing well. The familys medical bills have quickly piled up since last September. Firefighters will be raising money for Coltons family as well as for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In addition to the firefighter climb, the Big Climb takes place on March 21 and is open to the general public. Anyone can participate in the Big Climb in honor of Colton by joining the team "Coltons Army" (join at http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb/121767577?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=24060). The Big Climb is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys largest fundraiser, which drew in over 6,000 participants in 2009.

Donations for the Matter Family can be made at any Key Bank c/o the "Colton J Matter Fund". Donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can be made online at http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/General?team_id=21430&pg=team&fr_id=1090.