Well, a nice hormone cocktail of adrenaline and endorphines pumped through my bloodstream as we took off...every step of the way, I thought about all of the amazing people who donated to our team, allowing us to be the third TOP FUNDRAISING team of all of Chicago!!!! Over 100 teams participated, and thanks to the gracious friends and family of our entire team, we were a HUGE success. One of the most thrilling and overwhelming moments of the day was when Bob (who stayed by my side the entire time encouraging me) and I got to about floor 44 (the top was floor 49), and I could hear all my teammates cheering for us. As we approached floor 49, I completely forgot the fact that my heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest and my lungs were burning...to see the faces of these amazing people, all there for me and all of those with lung disease, was indescribable. At that moment, I thought of my husband and my parents and all the support that they give me every day and I will never forget that moment. It was simply beautiful.
What is even more impressive, is that the rest of the team went on to climb three MORE towers, each 45 floors! One of our teammates is a firefighter, and he climbed 180 floors with all of his gear on. When we all were finished, he came up and asked me, "what does it feel like, your lungs?" So, I described and he simply stated that every second he thought he was having a hard time breathing, he thought of me and that pushed him to climb even faster. That, is amazing. Then, I proceeded to jump into his sweaty fireman's ensemble, and it became clear to me why it was so sweaty. The entire outfit, with mask, tank, boots, triple layers...weighs about 70 pounds. It just about tipped me over, and I have gained much more respect for those men and women who fight to save lives in threatening fire situation.
It's amazing, the graciousness of human beings. We have some pretty incredible family and friends and we are so thankful for all of you. Thank you to everyone who donated to our team, and for those who climbed and volunteered, words can't express my gratitude, you left me speechless. A few pictures from the climb are below.
Breathe Easy my friends.
REBS REBELS!! (Missing -Dave was on his way and Tiff was volunteering at 6am, the true champ of the day).
Jennie, my amazing little pink lady.
At the top of tower 1, floor 49. One of the most incredible moments. 
Eeeek, almost there!! Whew. 
Made it with my backbone. I love you babe:)That encompasses one of the most memorable days of my life, thank you to all who helped us and all of REBS REBELS, you rock!!
