Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, the Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, and representatives of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) announced the new date for the Capital Region Big Climb, now set for Saturday May 3^rd. 

This event will bring together local leaders, first responders, and community members to raise funds and awareness for blood cancer research and patient support services by climbing all 42 flights of stairs in the historic Corning Tower. Among the competitors will be a team of employees from the Albany County Executive’s Office, joined in friendly competition by a team led by County Sheriff Craig Apple. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to curing blood cancer and improving the quality of life of all patients and their families. The County Executive is serving as committee chair of the event this year and will be leading the first wave of climbers, which consists of first responders, many of whom will complete the climb wearing full gear.

“Coming together as a community for this event reminds us that when we combine our strengths, we can overcome any obstacle. The Big Climb isn’t just a physical challenge, it’s a step toward hope, progress, and a future free of blood cancer. I’m proud to be climbing with my team and alongside Sheriff Apple’s team. While we may compete on race day, we are united in this fight," stated Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

“Today, we rise higher with every step fueled by determination, hope and the belief that we can beat blood cancer. This climb isn’t just a challenge – it’s a celebration of strength, unity and the unstoppable spirit that drives change. Let’s reach the top together,” said Sheriff Craig D. Apple, Sr.

“The Capital Region Big Climb is a special event. Every flight of stairs represents the strength and resilience of those affected by blood cancer, families, survivors, and those we’ve lost.  As the chair of the board of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and as someone close with many people touched by this cause, I’m inspired every day by the courage of this community. Together with LLS we’re climbing toward hope, toward cures, and toward a day when cancer is no longer part of our lives,” said Bill Lia, Chair of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Campaign Board of Trustees

This event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to form teams, donate, or come out to cheer on the climbers. To sign up, donate, or learn more, visit: https://pages.lls.org/bigclimb/uny/bigclimbalbany25 

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Pic- left to right:  Bill Lia, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Terry Bradford, CE McCoy, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Francesca Pardi and Sheriff Apple.