Firefighter hopes to raise $107,000 with stair-climb record in Mill Creek

Published 11:08 pm Saturday, July 18, 2009

MILL CREEK — When Bill Ekse lost a friend to cancer more than 10 years ago, he decided to never take things for granted.

Things like his health. His strong, able legs. His ability to make a difference.

Ekse, 35, is on a mission this weekend to climb 107,000 steps in 24 hours to break the world record and raise money to fight cancer.

“He’s the most determined person I know,” said his wife, Angie Ekse. “He gives me inspiration.”

Snohomish County Fire District 7 firefighters Bill Ekse and Lt. Ronda Steinbach want to set the Guinness World Record for climbing the most vertical feet in 24 hours.

A fellow firefighter was going to compete for the world record in a 12-hour period.

Two of the three climbers got on stair-climber machines outside the Firestation Gourmet Deli at Mill Creek Town Center about 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Except for short breaks, they weren’t going to step down until 1:45 p.m. today.

Climbers hope to raise $107,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To donate, go to www.sc7fd.com.

“If I was going to raise money, I thought I should do something hard,” Bill Ekse said.

He had just completed the first hour and was taking a break. He kept focused on his goal.

Bill Ekse first climbed to fight cancer in 2006. His result of 66,103 steps was not eligible for a Guinness record because he hadn’t properly filled out the paperwork. The Guinness standards are very stringent, Ekse explained.

This time, everything was in order.

Angie Ekse is used to her husband’s nearly impossible goals. “He’s always doing something extra,” she said. “I’m so proud of him.”

Like many other friends and family members, Angie Ekse was planning to stay with climbers overnight. She didn’t get the chance the first time because she was pregnant with their daughter.

As she moved methodically on her stepmill, Lt. Ronda Steinbach was glad loved ones came to show their support.

Steinbach, 34, was competing for the world record in the women’s category. About 40 minutes into the contest, Steinbach had climbed more than 180 floors. The climber said she felt energized.

“Hopefully I’ll feel this way in the end,” she laughed.

An impressive athlete, Steinbach jumped right in when Bill Ekse approached her about the fundraiser.

“It’s a good cause,” she said.

Her strategy? Slow and steady. Oh, and something else: You need to believe that you can do it. “Otherwise you won’t succeed,” Steinbach said.

The third climber was going to start early this morning so that the three could finish at the same time, Bill Ekse said.

The climbers talked with friends Saturday afternoon while their feet slowly made their way to the world record. Bill Ekse waved to his grandfather Bud Askew, 79, of Mill Creek.

“I think it’s pretty darn good that he’s doing it,” Askew said. “But I wouldn’t wanna try it,” he laughed.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.