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Dozens Rappelling Down EQT Plaza To Fight Cancer

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Would you jump off of a building to help fight cancer? Actually, it's more like walking down the side of a 21-story building. Dozens are doing it this week in Downtown Pittsburgh.

One room of EQT Plaza is filled with harnesses, helmets, gloves and all the gear you need to go over the edge of a building.

To Lynne Jacobson and her daughter, Teddi Horvitz, rappelling 21 stories isn't scary at all compared to beating breast cancer. They both did.

Now, they're going over the edge of EQT Plaza to raise money for Our Clubhouse, a local non-profit that provides social and emotional support to anyone touched by cancer.

"It's for a wonderful cause, wonderful, really," Jacobson says. "The programs are amazing. To see kids who have lost parents playing and just being kid. It's really terrific, so it's definitely worth it."

Nearly 70 people have signed up to rappel, each raising money and awareness.

Horvitz says, "Each of them has to raise a minimum of $1,500 to rappel, so they're really committed and we're so thankful for them. So far, we've raise $120,000 this year."

Once rappellers are in their harnesses, it's up to the roof for some instructions, and then over to the edge for a huge first step.

Down below, friends, family and curious onlookers have their eyes to the skies and a few friendly props like a bullseye for a target. Once on the ground, the rappellers were all smiles.

Rapeller Val Pferdehirt says, "That was the most amazing thing I've ever done in my life. Truly, ever! And the best part is I got to raise money for an amazing cause which is why I did this."

For more information on Our Clubhouse or to donate, visit: www.ourclubhouse.org.

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