Silver Cross Doctor Climbs Hancock's Stairs to Honor Her Dad

Climbing stairs for many people is a rudimentary, everyday task that isn't given much thought. Even when it's used as part of an exercise routine.

Now, imagine climbing those same stairs for 94 stories. And doing it as an asthma sufferer.

That's what Frankfort's Dr. Gamilah Pierre has been doing for four consecutive years, participating in the Hustle Up the Hancock event, sponsored by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The event has climbers ascending the stairs of the John Hancock Center to raise money for lung disease research and programs.

"The funny part is my legs never hurt. My legs never get tired, but my lungs--with the asthma--really struggle."

"I don't remember how I found out about it initially," said Pierre, who is the chair for Silver Cross Hospital's OB/GYN department. "When I found out about it, what struck me is that the charity goes toward respiratory health."

Although Pierre was diagnosed with asthma as a child, she's not participating in the Hustle Up, which is Sunday, Feb. 26, just for herself. In fact, the reason she's done the climb in past years is as a way to honor her father, who has suffered from emphysema since 1998.

"Knowing he can't do it and knowing I can do it, it makes me more motivated than just donating money," Pierre said, adding that the emphysema makes it hard for her dad, 66, to visit her from Texas. "It's kinda nice that our relationship has probably matured because of the climb. I think he really appreciates that I do the climb. ... And I think he thinks this as a bigger contribution than being a doctor."

Pierre begins training for the climb each year soon after she signs up for it in October. She has a trainer who she works with once or twice a week, and she does the same with her spin class. Pierre also hits the stairs at Silver Cross (she currently works on the fifth floor).

"That's sort of my training along with whatever I do at the gym," she said. "That's usually a big thing because it's actually stairs."

On the day of the event, Pierre needs to pre-medicate before climbing, and she carries an inhaler with her during the event. Despite that preparation, the climbing takes a toll on her body, she said, adding that she needs to stop quite a bit catch her breath.

"The funny part is my legs never hurt," Pierre said. "My legs never get tired, but my lungs--with the asthma--really struggle."

This year also presents another unique challenge for Pierre. The day of Hustle Up the Hancock is the same day Silver Cross Hospital is moving to its new location in New Lenox. Usually, Pierre enjoys a big breakfast or brunch after the event, but this year, she will be racing back to New Lenox to be a part of the hospital's moving process.

"I just need not to speed on my way back," Pierre said, laughing. "It's really chaotic this time for me. These are both very important events. I wasn't going to give up the Hancock. This, to me, is a big event, and I feel like it's my thing. ... As long as there's no snow, I should be fine."

Pierre already has met her donation goal of $1,000, but she said she'd like to reach $1,500. People can still donate by going to her web page. They also can leave little messages for her there.

"You can write a note of encouragement, too," she said. "I get to see everything that comes in, and I respond. It is really appreciated."

Although the fundraising is the engine that drives Hustle Up the Hancock, it's about so much more for Pierre. For one, the awareness she's able to raise about respiratory disorders among colleagues and friends is invaluable. But more importantly, the climb has been a way for Pierre to connect with her father in a special, meaningful way.

"My dad and I have always been pretty close, but I know for a fact that he knows I can relate to how he feels," she said. "I think he gets the fact that more than anyone else I get it. ... You put one shoe on, and you get exhausted. It sounds silly, but it's exhausting."

"This year, he's been really into it," Pierre added. "He's been a huge fundraiser for me. ... I think he appreciates the actual physical effort of doing it, beyond giving the money. That's why it's important that I do the climb and not just get money."

Hustle Up the Hancock

When: Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: John Hancock Center, Chicago
How to donate: Go to Pierre's website for the Hustle.