CHICAGO (WLS) — In a show of determination and support for the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, thousands took on the challenge of climbing the iconic Willis Tower.

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This Sunday marked the 17th annual Skyrise Chicago event, which tests participants’ endurance as they ascend over 100 floors.

The ambitious climb includes a total of 2,149 steps leading up to the Skydeck of the Willis Tower.

“Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and I was resolute in finding ways to combat its symptoms. This led me to one of the best hospitals in the area, the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab,” shared Marty Maibuecher, a patient at the lab.

The funds raised from Skyrise Chicago help further the nonprofit’s transformative mission, enhancing the abilities of more than 50,000 adults and children around the world each year.

More than $1 million were raised this year alone for the rehab hospital.

Chicago Police Sergeant Mike Dineen has walked up Willis Tower 17 times.

“2009 I suffered a traumatic brain injury.” Dineen said. “Shirley Ryan taught me how to walk and talk again and got my confidence again to go back to work. Right after I did it the first year, two weeks later I was back to work.”

Athletes range from current and former patients, hospital staff members, and loved ones – stepping it out together for this crucial cause.

“I was in the hospital for three weeks. Day rehab for six to nine months,” said Jason Colton who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2018.

Less than a decade later, he’s climbing to uplift and motivate others.

“It’s an amazing facility. It’s so important. Not just for our community but across the country and across the world,” Colton said.

ABC7’s Christian Piekos climbed to the top in 20:26 minutes, earning the station first place in the climb’s media division.

To learn more about the nonproft, click here.