Home Brentwood Local Volunteer Looks to Raise Funds for Fallen Firefighters

Local Volunteer Looks to Raise Funds for Fallen Firefighters

by ECT

Kendra Windrix is on a mission to support local firefighters who have passed away through a stair climb challenge scheduled for September 10 in San Diego.

Windrix, 22 of Brentwood and is part of the Gateway Program for special needs young adults after high school. She was hurt more than 11-years ago and the local fire department saved her life. In return, she now spends her time finding ways to give back to firefighters and being supportive wherever she can.

This year, she is hoping to raise $2,500 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation where they host a stair climb in San Diego. Windrix is attempting to make the 110-story climb which she estimates could take her around 4-hours—the fastest times for participants are under an hour.

“I like helping the firefighters. If they need help with supplies or need help I really go get it and do it automatically,” explained Windrix. “This climb will be my 5th in two-years.”

She says the first time she did a climb it was an experience she will never forget calling it “cool” but was sad she did not complete the climb—she says she made it 3/4th of the but was pulled for her safety.

“I still regret not completing the entire climb due to safety reasons. I did 74-flights of stairs. It’s not easy but I am going to keep on going,” explained Windrix”

She says she climbs for fallen firefighters locally such as East Contra Costa Firefighter Willie West. West was one of the firefighters who responded to her accident 11-years ago.

“One of the guys who was on my call, Willie West, we lost him. He is now part of the local and state wall, including the national wall of fallen firefighters. I climb for Willie West. I also climb for Contra Costa County fire captain Matt Burton and fire engineer Scott Desmond who passed away 9-years ago.”

Windrix also says each time she participates in a climb, she gets a new badge and now has a goal to do 343 climbs throughout her life—they have climbs every few months.

Jessie Lechance-Mellan says she is proud of Kenda’s dedication to supporting firefighters.

“Kendra sees the guys that saved her life every week, we have a bond with some of them that will never be broken. These men lay it on the line every day, now it’s her next turn to lay it all out there,” said Lechance-Mellan.

If you would like to donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/kendras911climb

About the event:

The San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a annual charity event that honors the sacrifice of the heros and victims of 9/11/01 by climbing the equivalent of the same number of stories of the World Trade Towers, 110 stories. We are seeking opportunities to encourage community participation by joining us as a climber, volunteer, sponsor or donor on, 9/10/16 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of September 11th, 2001 at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front in downtown San Diego, CA.

This commemorative Stair Climb honors the brave 343 FDNY Firefighters, 23 NYPD Officers, and 37 Port Authority Officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice, in order to effect over 10,000 civilian rescues that tragic September morning. As well as honoring the memories of the approximately 3,000 civilians who died that day, the 5,000 military service members who died subsequent to the attacks and the countless who still continue to die from 9/11 health related illnesses.

This climb honors each of these individuals, and is the largest event on the West Coast of its kind. It is not a race, it’s a memorial, a charity climb that includes Firefighters (most in full gear) Law Enforcement Officers, Military and civilians.

This amazing event sells out every year! Participants may join as individuals or create teams. A suggested fundraising goal of $110.00 per person is strongly encouraged. Please know that registration costs solely cover the production costs of the event. FirefighterAid does not make any money off registration so we encourage fundraising.

Registration Fees Include & Cover:
– Commemorative Climber t-shirt,
– SD911MSC Lanyard and Fallen Hero Badge
– One Locally Crafted Micro Beer
– Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

This year’s event beneficiaries are FirefighterAid, National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, PsychArmor, and Firefighter Cancer Support Network. See more at: www.sandiegostairclimb.com

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