This will be my fifth trip up the Sears... UMMmmm...  Willis Tower with my team named Kari's Klimbers.  The reason I can climb 103 flights is in the picture I'm holding.  In March, 2000, when Kari was 17 years old, she told her family how strongly she felt about organ donation.  Twice.  A month later, she passed away.

I was in Chicago.  My lungs were failing and I was dying after struggling for years with cystic fibrosis.  This beautiful girl from Iowa came into my life in April, 2000.  I breathe with Kari's lungs.  She is on my mind always.

I have a precious friend who suffered a stroke a few years ago.  In large part, because of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, she is back with her family and has recovered 100%.  She has even leapt tall buldings with me since - and she's leaping this one with me again.  I've had a number of other friends who have been served by RIC.  The folks there save and improve lives.

Come climb with me - it's a wonderful cause.  And please consider organ donation and sign up on your registry or at the DMV.  I know a beautiful girl from Iowa who knew how she felt, and she told her family.  I think about her every single day.

Tower up!!!

www .ClimbingForKari.org