From stairwells to skyscrapers, ‘Fight for Air Climb’ raises awareness for lung disease

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of Tampa Bay area residents put their endurance to the test for a good cause on Saturday during the American Lung Association’s annual “Fight For Air Climb.”

“The Lung Association is such a great steward of the funds they raised $0.90 of every dollar goes right back into research, advocacy and education for those suffering with lung disease,” the Chair Member of the American Lung Association Beth Ash said.

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The Fight for Air Climb at the Bank of America plaza is raising awareness with every step to support the millions of Floridians who battle with lung disease every day.

“It’s people here who fly with one lung. So, if they can get off the couch and just climb 42 flights of stairs, not their fastest, but just push the limits, anybody can do it. I’ve been just very inspired,” professional climber, Troy Alston, said.

Climbers from all over the state came to climb 42 stories, and 914 steps. Climbers ranged from firefighters to competitive climbers, and even ordinary people just looking for a challenge. Together they’re raising money to promote research on lung disease including lung cancer.

“Everybody here, so many of them have a story of their own,” Ash said.

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“Originally it started out as just kind of love with the challenge,” climber Jeff Hottman said. “I thought the stair climb was unique. My connection is that I have a grandfather I never knew because he died of lung cancer and a few years ago my father, while he was being treated for cancer, caused pneumonia, and that kind of set him to the hospital for the final time.”

Organizers said they raised more than $150,000 to support the cause.

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