Train Signal Team Getting Ready for the Hustle up the Hancock

February is a cold month for Chicago, but the bleak weather is not stopping us from having a little bit of fun. The Train Signal team is getting ready to do the hustle! Hustle up the Hancock that is.

If you’ve never been to Chicago, you might not know that the John Hancock building, located in the heart of the city, was once the tallest building in the world, outside of New York city. Currently, it is the 4th tallest building in Chicago and the 6th tallest in the US.

Hustle up the Hancock is an annual event that brings together more than 4,000 people climbing over 1,000 feet, 94 floors and 1,632 steps to the top of building. The event helps raise funds for lung disease research as well as advocacy and awareness and is led by the Respiratory Health Association of Metro Chicago.

Train Signal Doing the Hustle February 27th

So why did we decide to join the hustle this year?

Last year Train Signal’s instructor, Bill Kulterman, introduced us to the organization and made us aware of the great things that an event like this can bring. Bill took part in CowaLUNGa last year, another RHAMC event, that took him on a 3 day, 190 mile bicycle race to help support lung health. You can read more about it here here.

The Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago has done some amazing things over the years and we want to show our support. The RHAMC lead the effort in the Smoke Free Illinois Act which passed in 2007, created Chicago’s first Asthma Action Plan in 2004 and actively campaigns to reduce air pollution in Illinois. In addition, the organization continues to raise awareness and funds for research that aims to prevent and treat lung disease, through events such as this one.

But we all have our own personal reasons for taking this challenge and as we prepare for the event we want to share them with you. Here’s what some Train Signal team members had to say when asked “Why did you decide to do the Hustle?”

Bill Kulterman, Train Signal Instructor

I am always looking for another fitness challenge and the Hustle sounded like a perfect one. As you know I have been involved with several other events of the RHAMC and I believe that they are a good and worthy cause.

Many members of my family suffer from respiratory illness including myself. I have also lost family and friends to emphysema, and other lung related illnesses. I am also a big supporter of all their efforts to help create a smoke free environment and reduce pollution here in Illinois and nationwide.

Eric Munn, Train Signal’s Social Media Specialist

I decided to join up for Hustle Up the Hancock because I want to test my physical prowess but was too scared to do a marathon. Also, the bar on the 96th floor is pretty nice.

Gary Eimerman, Train Signal’s Director of Product Development

Erin and I chose to participate in this event to help support healthy living. It has given us a reason to continue to get healthier ourselves and participate in a fundraiser with the Train Signal team.

Gosia Grabowska, Train Signal’s Product Development Specialist

So why am I doing this Hancock thing? Because I do everything my sister (Kasia) does … well, almost everything . But seriously, I want to see if I can do it. Some people say it’s not so bad, some people say it’s horrible. I want to know what it is like for me.

A couple of years ago I climbed the Eiffel tower, slowly sure, but I did it. I want to know if I can climb the Hancock building and I want to know how I will do while racing my sister to the top. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it is a great cause and I am hoping the money will help out a lot.

Lorin Glazer, Train Signal’s Web and Graphic Designer

I will be participating in the Half Climb at the John Hancock Center in the 14th Annual Hustle up the Hancock event to help raise money for lung disease research and education. The reason why I am participating in Hustle Up the Hancock event, is to challenge myself, mentally and physically. I am lucky to participate as I know others may not be able to.

Lastly, I want to bond with my fellow colleagues at work, I am still new to Train Signal and as a team effort we are going to work together to climb to the top. 

Sandy Moran, Train Signal’s Director of Operations

Bill is the one that made me aware of this fundraiser and I think it is a great cause. My daughter Kelley is a very competitive soccer player and still plays in college. When she was in high school she had breathing problems during games and we went to Children’s Asthma Respiratory and Exercise Specialists. Turns out she did not have asthma but vocal cord dysfunction. She was breathing with her neck and not her diaphragm and intense exercise would close off her throat so that she couldn’t breathe. They had a therapist who taught her how to manage this and she was able to continue playing soccer. While I was there I saw many small children with severe asthma and breathing problems. What a scary thing to not be able to breathe or to watch your child struggle for air. Research and funding can help them so this fundraiser is very important.

I also like the personal challenge of this. I have never attempted anything like this, but I think that if I can do this, I should do it for those who can’t due to respiratory problems and wish they could.

Scott Skinger, President and Founder of Train Signal

I’m climbing the Hancock because I really enjoy being involved in charity functions that involve physical activity, whether it is running, biking or climbing. I’m especially looking forward to this event because of its uniqueness and because my wife and son will be climbing with me.

Fighting lung disease is a great cause and I’m happy that I’m able to help out along with all of the other Train Signal employees who are giving back to our community.

Kasia Lorenc, Train Signal’s Web Manger

I thought that Hustle up the Hancock would be a good challenge and a fun event to participate in with my fellow coworkers and my sister Gosia. It’s a great cause since so many of us have been affected by lung disease and I hope that our small efforts will help.

You Can Help Too!

If you’d like to learn more and get involved then check out these links:

• Hustle up the Hancock
• Hustle up the Hancock on Facebook
• Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago

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