A unique endurance event, the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb pairs fitness with philanthropy
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 2, 2019) – People all over Charlotte will be ditching their morning elevator ride on Wednesday, January 9 and will be taking the stairs in honor of National Take the Stairs Day — which was started in 2012 by the USA Stair Climbing Association —reminding us all that a healthy lifestyle is just one step at a time. This year the American Lung Association is challenging those stair-steppers with a new challenge: The VUE!
To kick off the Fight For Air Climb season and celebrate National Take the Stairs Day, the local office is hosting a free event to try the Climb on Wednesday, January 9 at The VUE at 215 N. Pine Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by a kickoff party on the 50th floor Sky Lounge. The goal is to demonstrate that anyone can complete this challenge. No experience is necessary. Committee members and elite climbers will be there to provide training tips and answer any questions. Refreshments will be served in the spectacular Sky Lounge.
On Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. hundreds of American Lung Association supporters will scale over 50 flights of stairs – that’s 883 steps up The VUE. A unique endurance event to benefit a good cause, Fight For Air Climb participants climb in support of friends and loved ones who suffer from lung diseases like asthma and lung cancer, and raise funds for clean air and lung disease research, education and advocacy.
“Breathing should not be an uphill battle, but for many it is,” said Jennifer Hall, executive director of the American Lung Association in North Carolina. “The Fight For Air Climb is an exhilarating experience for running and fitness enthusiasts, but also a humble reminder that no one should have to fight for air on a daily basis.”
Over 1,282,400 people suffer from a lung disease in North Carolina, and the Lung Association’s annual Fight For Air Climb has been raising awareness for lung education and advocacy for five years. Local firehouses will be showing their support at the end of the event by climbing the 50 flights in full firefighter gear – helmet, hood, pants, coat, gloves, boots and air pack – weighing over 45 pounds. Firefighters have an increased risk for lung disease from the exposure to gases, chemicals and smoke in the line of duty.
Fight For Air Climb Registration is $25 per participant and requires a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer.Hall@Lung.org, 980-237-6611, or visit FightForAirClimb.org.
The American Lung Association of North Carolina’s 2019 Fight For Air Climb is presented by Ensemble Health Partners.
