Hickory Hills man to rappel 27 stories in memory of his hero

When Chris Fryzek’s grandfather, Karl Krejca, felt out of breath in 2007, he initially dismissed it as old age. He was fairly active as an 84-year-old, and knew he was going to have to slow down sometime. But when his daily activities got harder and harder, he sought a doctor’s opinion. In February of 2007, Karl was diagnosed with lung cancer. He and his family were shocked and wanted a second opinion, so they scheduled another appointment for April. Karl never made it.

“When my grandfather was diagnosed, his doctor told him he had at least one year,” Chris said. “Over just two-and-a-half months we saw his health decline rapidly. I tried to spend as much time with him as I could between going to school and working full-time.”

Karl passed away at the end of April 2007, and Chris lost one of the most important people in his life. Growing up, Chris, of Hickory Hills, had spent a lot of time at his grandparents’ house in nearby Evergreen Park and he and his grandfather had grown very close. Karl was a hard worker who kept busy during retirement as an elementary school crossing guard and a part-time volunteer at a local nursing home. Chris admired his grandfather’s work ethic and love of life.

One responsibility Karl took especially seriously was being a family man. He made sure to spend time with his grandchildren and eight brothers and sisters, often taking on planning family vacations. He and his wife, Ruth, loved traveling, and Karl was always looking for ways to learn more about the world.

Chris has many fond memories of time with his grandfather, one involving a furry friend. Chris grew up hearing about “Grandpa’s pugs,” so when he wanted a dog of his own one month after his grandpa’s diagnosis, he knew exactly what kind to get. Chris picked up a pug puppy and brought her straight to his grandfather’s house.

“At that point, he was already on oxygen and pretty sick, but he perked up right away when he saw the dog and got the biggest smile on his face,” Chris said. “It was nice to see that excitement in him again.”

All of the traits Chris so admired in his grandfather were what he wanted to honor when he was looking for something to do in Karl’s memory. He also wanted it to be something big. On May 5, Chris will rappel 27 stories off the Wit Hotel as part of Skyline Plunge! Chicago, an event hosted by Respiratory Health Association. Skyline Plunge! Chicago raises awareness and funds for the association’s lung disease research and programs.

“When I first told my family I was rappelling a building, they thought it was ridiculous and that I was crazy,” Chris said. “They asked, ‘Why can’t you just run a 5K?’ There are a lot of those, but they aren’t for me. I like the idea of doing something different in memory of my grandfather.”

Chris is also rappelling to celebrate his graduation from Robert Morris University, which is the weekend following the event. He wishes his grandparents were still around to share in his accomplishment, but since they’re not, he chose the next best thing.

“Between their passing and me finishing school, I wanted to do something to make a difference,” Chris said. “I like that Skyline Plunge! Chicago will draw onlookers downtown and will raise a lot of awareness and funds for lung disease in such a cool, unique way.”

Chris has committed to raising $1,000 for Respiratory Health Association’s lung disease research and programs. To support Chris in his fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit lungchicago.org/chrisfryzek.