By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The 4th annual Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Family 5k walk is set to occur in September.
On Saturday, September 13 starting 8:00 am at JRI Stadium on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan, will be the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb organized by Salina Guns & Hoses.
Registration is open today and those wishing to participate can do so as well by registering at 7:00 am the day of the event (Scan QR code on the flyer above to register).
Cost is $30 per person and all proceeds will be donated to 3-year old Ezra and his family.
Ezra was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma (rare liver cancer) on May 2024. With the liver tumor touching his heart, Ezra endured six rounds of chemo in an attempt to shirk the tumor before having his first surgery on August 2024. He has had double lung surgery, where 17 tumors were removed from his lungs. Pathology reports showed a more aggressive cancer, Hepatocellular Neoplasm NOS.
Ezra just had his second lung surgery, removing three more tumors.
"Ezra is a strong, brave little hero, and his mom (Breann) and family are by his side, cheering him on!" (statement from the flyer).
The stair climb is a physical and emotional tribute to the firefighters and first responders who sacrificed their lives for lives of others during the September 11th attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001. Participants climb the equivalent of 110 stories, which is the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Other key aspects about the event include a tribute to the fallen, a symbolic journey, emotional impact and a physical challenge. Michael Ascher of Salina Guns & Hoses said this year, the climb will be focused on the community.
"We believe by bringing civil service together for the goal of helping local families in need, we not only improve the working relationship between law enforcement, fire and EMT, but we also improve public trust," stated Ascher. "This event aligns perfectly with our mission and vision."
Salina Guns & Hoses has partnered with Be Assure, Be Wealth, Kansas Wesleyan and several other loyal sponsors to make the memorial stair climb the largest event to date. A "paddle battle" pickleball tournament will also occur during the event.