I wrote this story in today's Chicago Tribune about an unusual fundraiser. People were asked to raise at least $1,000 for respiratory health research to earn themselves a spot rappelling down the 27-story Wit hotel in the Loop. I focused on one amazing young woman, who was afraid of heights, but rappelled in honor of her father who died of lung cancer this summer, only 10 weeks after being diagnosed.

After seeing everyone giddy with adrenaline and accomplishment, I regret that I didn't take up the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago on its offer to let media try the rappel the day before.