1500 Stairs, One Amazing Story

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — This morning the Ketchum Downtown YMCA held the public half of its annual Stair Climb to the Top. Entrants are timed climbing 1500 stairs, 75 stories worth. The money raised goes to support the YMCA’s community programs.

Though she may not have had the best time, it’s likely the best story of the day is that of Peggy Murphy, Adult Collections Manager at the Central Library. Peggy only has one leg, but didn’t let that stop her from making it all the way to the top of Downtown’s US Bank Tower. Speaking to the crowd afterward Peggy joked that her crutches got tired around floor 65, but that she did just fine.

What makes this story even better is that one year ago Peggy was severely overweight. She had set a weight loss plan with her doctor and knew that exercise was an important component. She began going to the Ketchum YMCA thanks to its proximity to her work at the Library, and Peggy credits the coaches there with helping to bring her along slowly and achieve her goals.

When I spoke to Peggy after her climb, she wanted to make sure that I pointed out the importance of the event as a fundraiser for the YMCA. While entrants are required to raise $100, Peggy set a goal of raising $1000 with her climb. She’s currently at $757, and you can still visit her participant page to donate in her name.