American Lung Association Celebrates 10th Annual Fight For Air Climb

CINCINNATI, OH (02/11/2015)(readMedia)-- Nearly 600 men, women, and children will race to the top of the Carew Tower this weekend as part of the American Lung Association's 10th Annual Fight For Air Climb.

"For 10 years we've been able to rally the Cincinnati community and really help raise support for victims of lung disease" explains the event's Development Manager Elizabeth Kelley. The unique stair climbing event partners with local Cincinnati landmarks like the Hilton Netherland Plaza and Carew Tower to help raise over $700,000 for victims of lung disease.

For Kelley, the most inspiring part of the race is the participants. "Each year we meet people who overcome incredible odds and do something most of us think we can't do," she explains. "Last year we had a lung disease survivor, Steve Mitchell, who climbed all 45 stories with his daughter after recovering from a double lung transplant. People like that remind us what we're capable of."

But not every story has a happy ending. "We also had a team called 'See You When I Get There' who raised almost $10,000 in memory of a Stage 4 lung cancer patient who had never smoked a day in her life." For those teams, Kelley says that the event managers go the extra mile to make the climb a meaningful tribute. "We try to hang photos all those loved ones lost to lung disease on the walls of the stairwell. I think it gives the climbers that extra boost of encouragement, and it reminds us all what we're fighting for."

For Kelley, managing the American Lung Association's largest and oldest fundraiser in the area has been a valuable experience, and a team effort. "I will never forget the gratitude that those who are affected by lung disease express toward the work the event is doing. I will also treasure my work with the over 130 volunteers of the event, because without their support and dedication, we would not be able to hold the event year after year."

The 10th Annual Fight For Air Climb will take place on Sunday, February 15 at the Carew Tower, and proceeds will help to fund research and raise awareness for lung disease.