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Krista Weiss

2026 Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge - Challenge the Chief

Signing up to Challenge the Chief


I’m Krista, a community connector volunteer with Wellspring and I live in Medicine Hat. Wellspring calls community connectors their ambassadors, the voices of local communities. We help build awareness of Wellspring and their amazing programs and services, all of which are offered at no cost. 

We have a fabulous group of community connectors in Medicine Hat — Sarah, Charley, Deb, Dustin, and also Dani, who officially volunteers as Peer Support for Wellspring but can often be found assisting right alongside our community connector team. You may have seen us at a recent seniors expo at the Veiner Centre, at a Tigers hockey game, at the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, or putting up posters around town. Community connectors also make welcome calls to new members, and lend a hand to ensure that local Wellspring programs run smoothly. In Medicine Hat, that means our in-person support group called Cancer Connect, held twice a month on a Monday morning and a Thursday evening (I’m also a program leader for the Monday group) and Compass for the Caregiver, which runs twice a year.

Deciding to do Challenge the Chief and tackle a 57-story building was not a decision I made lightly. I was greatly inspired by Wellspring staff members Scott Patterson and Rebecca Perkins, who’ve done the stairclimb before and crushed it. Obviously I want to raise money for Wellspring, as it’s such a great organization. The Calgary Stairclimb is also a way to push myself to improve my physical fitness; the reality of having to eventually climb 1370 stairs in firefighter gear can be very motivating!

Beyond all that, what motivates me personally, what keeps me going every day, are: 1. My husband, Jason, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2019… his humor, wisdom, and positivity continue to inspire me every day; and 2. All of the wonderful and amazing Wellspring members I’ve had the privilege to meet since I became a Wellspring volunteer in 2023. I dedicate my stairclimb to all of you!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$5,158

My Goal

$5,000

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My Achievements

Fundraising page

Updated Profile Pic

Added a Blog Post

Received 5 Donations

Reached Goal

Increased Target

My Updates

2 Weeks to Stairclimb

Sunday 31st May
I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far.

I couldn't do this without you.

You have checked in regularly and asked how training is going.

You have offered encouragement and kind words.

You have shared my page and pointed out an opportunity to support.

You have made a donation... some have never even met me and yet they've donated to my stairclimb.

You have joined me on walks and climbing hills (Sheila... you're the best!).

To all of you, thank you. I am so very grateful.

See you in 2 weeks!


4 Weeks to Stairclimb

Monday 18th May

Actually, just under 4 weeks!

This is the place... Brookfield Place. Ready or not, I'll be there on Sunday, June 14. 

The journey to the Stairclimb has shaped my life in ways I didn't expect. I want to thank everyone who's played a part...

This journey actually began in the latter part of 2019... so many people stepped up at that time to offer their loving support and kindness. I am immensely grateful to you. 

To those I've met along the way, please know that you have made a lasting impact on my life, and I have so much gratitude for you.

8 Weeks to Stairclimb

Monday 20th Apr
I was fortunate to attend last year's stairclimb on June 8, 2025. Standing in front of Brookfield Place, looking up at this 57-storey building, and then at all of the brave people standing in front of it, seen in the photo above, who signed up to Challenge the Chief, I felt so inspired. I decided at that moment that I would be back in 2026 to do it myself. 

March 2026

Wednesday 8th Apr


I was fortunate to do a bit of stairclimbing in some spectacular locations in March. 


The Shakain Misaka Promenade in Misato, Kumamoto, which is 3,333 steps... One of the many flights of stairs I climbed can be seen in the photo above… beautiful, peaceful, surrounded by forest. After climbing 3,333 stairs to the top, I walked a further 2 km to see the Daionkyoji Shakain Temple grounds. Of course, the only way to get back to where I started was to descend 3,333 steps. My legs were sore for 4 days!


Tokyo Tower… Climbed the 600 stairs on an open-air staircase to the main observation deck. It's only open in good weather on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, and I happened to be there on a Sunday and the weather was perfect, so I was able to do it. Very fun and they give you a wallet-sized "Certificate of Stairway Ascent" for doing it! Enjoyed amazing views of the sprawling city and then took the stairs back down.


Calgary Tower... Met up with some amazing folks from Wellspring on the last two Tuesdays in March to do the 802 steps to the top of the Tower... the staircase is only accessible on Tuesdays in March from 4-7pm. Climbed the stairs twice both times I went (took the elevator down, not the stairs!). Enjoyed views of Calgary from 190 meters up as we caught our breath to a DJ playing some tunes. Thanks to Scott, Joanne, Heather, and Bobbi for being supportive and encouraging...you are all truly excellent climbing mates!

First Milestone

Sunday 1st Feb

A big shout-out to my first sponsor! Thank you for contributing to a great cause! 

This is a good opportunity to talk about donations. First, if you decide to donate, thank you for helping make a difference in the life of someone facing cancer so that no one has to face cancer alone! 

Donations to participants in the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge and Challenge the Chief support Wellspring Alberta, a wonderful organization that provides programs, services, and support to people living with cancer – those diagnosed, their caregivers, and their kids – all at no cost. 

Wellspring Alberta will gift a portion of the proceeds to the Firefighters Assistance Charitable Society (FACS) whose mission is to empower and strengthen the firefighter by enhancing the success and resilience of the firefighter community.

There are a few ways to donate... you can do it directly on this page with a credit card. You can also make a donation in cash or by a cheque made payable to Wellspring Alberta. See me in person if those options work better for you.

Tax receipts will be issued for amounts of $20 or more... you only need to provide a valid mailing address. In addition, if you'd like to receive an electronic tax receipt, you'll need to provide your email address. 

That said, no donation is too small! If 1000 people donated $5 each, I would reach my $5000 goal! But there are other ways to support me that don't cost money... encouraging messages, joining me on a walk, climbing stairs or hills together... it's all worthwhile and so appreciated. 

Thanks again for visiting my page. 


For more information about Wellspring Alberta, visit wellspringalberta.ca.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$400

Donna Duong

$365

Anonymous

$315

Anonymous

$235.59

Meg

I love your spirit ❤️

$212.30

Ryan Olfert

So proud of you!

$212.30

Steven Reilly

$212.24

W Posnikoff

$200

Carrie Stober

You are an inspiration- thank you for all you do for our community!

$200

Scott P

Krista you're a bight star in the sky for so many people. What an amazing challenge. Well done! Let's Go!

$107.82

Krista Munroe

Good luck!

$107.82

Natalie

Great initiative Krista but take care not to work your knees too hard! Thank you for volunteering for Wellspring and all the best to you and your husband!

$107.82

Kate Bentley

Bravo Krista! Fantastic that you're doing this and it looks like you've almost reached your goal

$107.82

Vic & Lori

Good luck Krista. We know you will crush it!!

$107.82

Anonymous

This is so amazing! I know you will conquer this just as you have everything else that has been in your path.

$106.24

Garry Bennett

Thanks for doing this. You will have iron legs after this.

$106.24

Barb

You are going to crush this stair climb!! I’m very proud of you for every milestone you’ve accomplished in your life, including this one!

$106.24

Patricia Henley

Good Luck Krista!

$106.24

Sheila

$105.04

Gail Halderman

Thank you for doing this and all you do for Wellspring!

$103.84

Teika T

Krista, I admire the time and effort you put into making a difference in your community. I am so looking forward to celebrating YOU crushing this climb!

$100

Jeff Hall

$100

Derek Fenty

Your story is inspiring Krista. Best of luck in your climb. See you at the finish line.

$100

Michelle

Good luck! Like all of the other challenges that you've accepted and mastered, I know that this one will be just as successful. You've got this and you will crush these stairs too! ❤️

$100

Anonymous

You are incredible!! I am so very proud of you and inspired by you!! I am so honoured to have you as such a dear friend. I will be there cheering you on!! 📣💕💚

$100

Anonymous

Hope to see you going up the stairs. I'll be rooting for you

$100

Kelly Mclennan

$81.97

Brittany Thiessen

You got this, Krista!

$81.97

Nancy Bilodeau

Krista, Thank you for all you do for Wellspring Alberta! You are a champion for our organization and we really appreciate your spirit and compassion!!!

$80.15

Patricia Fream

Good luck Krista!

$75

Pascal Méan

Proud of you from Carma house😀

$75

Steve Ironside

$56

Peggy Brosens

Good Luck Krista!! Thank you for all you do for everyone at Wellspring Alberta.

$55.66

Dale Macpherson

You’ve been so good for Jason over the years - he was such an important part of my life since 15 - I hope you guys have many years of happiness together in the future!

$55.66

Jill Miller

Good luck, Krista! Thanks for all you do for Wellspring. I am cheering for you!

$55.66

Marvin Genno

$55

Miha Turtureanu

Krista, I am so proud of you! 💚Your strength, heart, and determination inspire all of us. Cheering you on every step of the way! Thank you for being YOU!💚

$54.12

Heather Charbonneau

You've got this.

$50

Chantelle Calitz

Thank you for all you're doing for Wellspring!

$50

Jolene & Pam

$39.09

Jeanette Devore

$39.09

Rory O'neill

$38.25

Melanie Semchuk

Proud of you!

$28.43

Christine Osunde

Way to go! See you at the top.

$25

Anonymous

You got this!

$25

Caitlin Miller

You’ve got this!!!

$11.46

Anonymous