From global adventures to local efforts, our events showcase the hard things we choose to do together — and the impact those moments leave behind.
We are traveling to Switzerland to conquer the world’s longest stairway—11,674 steps of teamwork, resilience, and an unforgettable overnight climb up the historic Niesen Stairway
The de:niesen stairway is more than a climb — it’s a chance for our community to move together, challenge ourselves, and prove what’s still possible. As the longest staircase in the world, its 11,674 steps represent determination, resilience, and the power of showing up for one another.
Climbing the Niesen Stairway means traveling with our team to Switzerland to take on the world’s longest staircase — 11,674 steps following the steep line of the mountain’s historic funicular. Because the stairway is not open to the public and runs directly alongside the train, we can only climb when the funicular stops operating for the night.
We’ll have eight hours to complete the climb, moving through the dark with headlamps and teamwork lighting the way. It’s a demanding, rare, and unforgettable challenge — one that demands training, focus, resilience, and strength of the entire team.
We’re climbing the Niesen because our bodies may have limits, but our spirit doesn’t. The world’s longest stairway is a massive challenge — and that’s exactly why we’re drawn to it. This climb gives us the chance to honor resilience, celebrate progress, and show up for one another as we push toward something that once felt impossible. Every step is a reminder of what’s still possible when we move together.
The Niesen climb is the perfect expression of our mission: taking a hard, meaningful challenge and tackling it together, step by step, with support, resilience, and heart. Our team reflects the rare disease community we serve — one individual living with a rare disease, a scientist working to advance rare disease research, and a mom fighting for her child’s future. Alongside them are teammates who simply believe in showing up, lending strength, and helping others reach a moment they might not achieve on their own. Together, we turn determination into momentum and community into possibility — everything we believe in.
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