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More than 2,000 participants will climb Willis Tower, raising more than $1 million for world-renowned rehabilitation hospital
On Sunday, Nov. 2, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab will host the 17th annual SkyRise Chicago at Willis Tower, culminating at Skydeck Chicago.
During the event, more than 2,000 participants — including current and former patients and their families alongside Shirley Ryan AbilityLab staff, researchers, and clinical teams — will climb up to Skydeck Chicago’s breathtaking observation deck on the 103rd floor. At the top, participants will celebrate by taking in extraordinary views spanning across four states and up to 50 miles.
To accommodate participants with diverse abilities, entrants can choose to climb the stairs or hand-cycle on stationary machines that are calibrated to match the stair-climbing experience. Additionally, virtual options are available so that people can participate from any corner of the world by completing an activity that best suits their abilities.
Among this year’s participants is Paityn Castillo, a 15-year-old Oak Forest, Ill., resident. Paityn came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare neurologic condition — suddenly unable to breathe, talk, eat and walk on her own. After 14 weeks of intensive inpatient rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, she continued her recovery in the organization’s DayRehab program to build upon her skills in physical and occupational therapy. Now, a year later, she has regained her abilities and will participate in SkyRise.
“When Paityn arrived, she could barely crack a smile. The simplest things were so difficult for her,” said Sandy Castillo, Paityn’s mom. “Since then, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has given Paityn her life back.
“Paityn will be joined by many fellow patients, staff and supporters,” said Pablo Celnik, MD, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab CEO. “It is a true privilege to gather as a community in celebration of ability, and we extend our sincere thanks to the Willis Tower for providing a remarkable and inspiring backdrop.”
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s quality clinical care and cutting-edge research advance ability for more than 50,000 adults and children around the world every year. As a nonprofit organization, the hospital’s work is supported by fundraising events such as SkyRise, which collectively raise millions of dollars in support of patients’ recoveries every year.
“Skydeck Chicago is honored to once again support Shirley Ryan AbilityLab by hosting SkyRise Chicago — an inspiring event that continues to unite our city in support of an extraordinary organization,” said Randy Stancik, general manager of Skydeck Chicago. “Standing on The Ledge after the climb captures the spirit of the day — courage, achievement and the shared joy of being part of something bigger than yourself.”
One of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere, Willis Tower opened in 1973 and has hosted SkyRise since the event’s inaugural year in 2009. Skydeck Chicago, the highest observation deck in the U.S., is located on the skyscraper’s 103rd floor and attracts up to 1.2 million visitors annually. The Ledge, glass-floored balconies extending 4.3 feet from the building, offer unparalleled views of the city from 1,353 feet above ground. Skydeck Chicago is a can’t-miss, one-stop attraction to discover and see all that the city of Chicago offers from an incomparable vantage point, while experiencing an interactive journey celebrating Chicago's distinct personality, rich history, culture, cuisine and architecture.
About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment. Founded in 1953, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has been designated the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital in America by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991. Upon opening a $550 million, 1.2-million-square-foot facility in 2017, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab became the first-ever “translational” research rehabilitation hospital in which clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, surrounding patients, discovering new approaches and quickly applying (or “translating”) research into care. This unique model enables patients to have access to the brightest minds, the latest research and the best opportunity for recovery.
About Skydeck Chicago and The Ledge
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Skydeck Chicago is the breathtaking, thrilling observatory destination atop the iconic Willis Tower. The highest observation deck in the U.S., Skydeck provides views of the city spanning up to four states and 50 miles on a clear day. Skydeck features The Ledge, four glass floor balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower and made of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit. After undergoing an extensive transformation in 2021, Skydeck offers a one-stop, Chicago-themed experience, highlighting the rich history, culture, cuisine and architecture of the city. For more information, please visit www.theskydeck.com or follow @skydeckchicago on social media.
