This past Sunday, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park was filled with smiles and cheer. Over 500 Coloradans showed up to support the Step Up for Cancer event and give their best shot at tackling the 1,765 sun-blazing stairs of the arena.
Kristi Pohly and I (Anya Vogelsong) represented Pharmatech Oncology, Inc for the event. We began the climb up the first aisle of steps at 9 am on the dot. We ran up the steps, crossing over to the next section and zooming back down – raising 2 cents every single step. It was wonderful to see the course filled with all types of people. Aunts and uncles cheering on little kids as they hoped down each stair with big smiles on their faces. Moms and daughters walking hand in hand. Young parents slowly making the climb with bouncing babies in backpacks armed with binkies and sippy cups. A 70- year old man, cheered on by volunteers and passers by, very slowly taking one step at a time for the great cause and something personal inside of him.
Our Pharmatech team finished the stairs in just under 14 minutes, that’s 4 minutes shy of the best elite stepper. After getting some refreshments and considering on-the-spot massage, we went through the community village. There were over 30 non-profit organizations represented and ready to educate, provide help, and show their support. Among many, there was The Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, Colorado Cancer Coalition, Morris Animal Foundation and University of Colorado Cancer Center. The village was booming with good music and lively spirits.
All in all, this was a wonderful event for any and all generations. We look forward to participating next year with a bigger team and larger donations. Elite runners watch out!
