Students to participate in Climb for a Cure for cystic fibrosis

Four Simpson College students are literally climbing their way to the top.

Not the top of the corporate ladder just yet, since they are just freshman and sophomores, but to the top of the IDS Tower in Minneapolis as part of Climb For A Cure for cystic fibrosis.

Freshmen Crystal Covington and Katie Olson along with sophomores Jess Leete and Afton Allen will climb 1,280 steps to the top of the tower where they will present a check to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which will go toward research for a cure.

“We’re all pretty athletic, but I think it will be a challenge,” said Leete. “But it’s a good way to spend time with friends and do something productive.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting nearly 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas, preventing the digestion and absorption of food. More than 10 million Americans are unknowing carriers of the CF gene.

Covington has participated in CF fundraisers before, since a family member of one of her friends has the disease. This year she was asked to be a sponsor and team leader so she joined with her friends to form Team Simpson.

The four will travel to Minneapolis on Feb. 11 to make the trek to the top of the building, which is the tallest building in Minneapolis. The building was featured prominently in opening sequences of the 1970s sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

So far the students have raised $200 to donate to the cause, but they are actively looking for additional donations. The college will help with Team Simpson’s travel expenses and Jim Thorius, vice president of student development, has agreed to match up to $250 if the girls collect $250 from other students at the college. They hope to raise $500 to $1,000 to give to the foundation.

“Even though college students don’t have a lot of disposable income, if everyone gave just $1, we’d have $2,000,” said Leete.

The team is also accepting donations from the community. Anyone wishing to contribute to Climb For A Cure can call Leete at (712) 249-6171, Covington at (319) 310-0293 or the Simpson College public relations department at (515) 961-1600. Checks may be made out to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Although the team is named Team Simpson, Leete said she wants to make this an effort by the entire community.

“Simpson College can make a difference,” she said. “Also Indianola, Iowa, can have a significant impact.”

Written by Emily A. Roush

Emily A. Roush is the news services manager and public relations specialist for Simpson College.


	News & Events Publications Creative Services Staff
Students to participate in Climb for a Cure for cystic fibrosis Four Simpson College students are literally climbing their way to the top. Not the top of the corporate ladder just yet, since they are just freshman and sophomores, but to the top of the IDS Tower in Minneapolis as part of Climb For A Cure for cystic fibrosis. Freshmen Crystal Covington and Katie Olson along with sophomores Jess Leete and Afton Allen will climb 1,280 steps to the top of the tower where they will present a check to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which will go toward research for a cure. “We’re all pretty athletic, but I think it will be a challenge,” said Leete. “But it’s a good way to spend time with friends and do something productive.” Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting nearly 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas, preventing the digestion and absorption of food. More than 10 million Americans are unknowing carriers of the CF gene. Covington has participated in CF fundraisers before, since a family member of one of her friends has the disease. This year she was asked to be a sponsor and team leader so she joined with her friends to form Team Simpson. The four will travel to Minneapolis on Feb. 11 to make the trek to the top of the building, which is the tallest building in Minneapolis. The building was featured prominently in opening sequences of the 1970s sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” So far the students have raised $200 to donate to the cause, but they are actively looking for additional donations. The college will help with Team Simpson’s travel expenses and Jim Thorius, vice president of student development, has agreed to match up to $250 if the girls collect $250 from other students at the college. They hope to raise $500 to $1,000 to give to the foundation. “Even though college students don’t have a lot of disposable income, if everyone gave just $1, we’d have $2,000,” said Leete. The team is also accepting donations from the community. Anyone wishing to contribute to Climb For A Cure can call Leete at (712) 249-6171, Covington at (319) 310-0293 or the Simpson College public relations department at (515) 961-1600. Checks may be made out to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Although the team is named Team Simpson, Leete said she wants to make this an effort by the entire community. “Simpson College can make a difference,” she said. “Also Indianola, Iowa, can have a significant impact.” Written by Emily A. Roush Emily A. Roush is the news services manager and public relations specialist for Simpson College.
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