Sometimes a Hero By: John Jacobson They come from around the world each year, over 1,800 firefighters, to race up 69 floors of the Columbia Center in Seattle. Carrying over fifty pounds of firefighting gear and breathing only the air they carry on their backs. Some race for the fastest time, others for the challenge. All do it to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I did it hoping for a cure.