NEW YORK, NY (06/17/2010)(readMedia)-- The American Lung Association in New York will hold its first ever Fight For Air Climb in New York City on Sunday, November 21st at the World Financial Center. The Climb challenges participants to reach the 40th Floor of the World Financial Center – a total of 850 steps – to raise awareness about lung disease and raise funds to help the Lung Association save lives and improve lung health.

Registration for the climb opens promptly at 9am on June 21st and can be done completely online. To register, visit www.alany.org or visit the Fight For Air Climb website. Participants can sign up as an individual or form a team. Companies large and small have already committed to creating teams to support the Lung Association's Fight For Air and compete against each other for the best times in this vertical race. Firefighters from throughout the City and beyond will also be competing in the event's Firefighters Challenge. Event sponsorships are still being accepted.

"The Fight For Air Climb has been held in many major cities throughout the country but never before in New York City," said Scott T. Santarella, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in New York. "As home to some of the world's most challenging skyscrapers, we're thrilled to be bringing this unique event to New York this year. We hope to significantly raise awareness about lung disease and raise the dollars we need to prevent more suffering and save more lives. There are more than 2.5 million New Yorkers suffering from asthma and lung diseases who need our help. For the sake of those who struggle to breathe every day, we're hoping people all across the New York City metropolitan area and beyond will support this event by climbing, sponsoring our event or making a donation."

Brookfield Properties Corporation is honored to host this year's event to support the Lung Association's good work and is generously donating their space at the World Financial Center. The Climb is also being sponsored by Pfizer, the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical company and the New York Health and Racquet Club, one of the largest networks of health clubs in New York City.

"On behalf of the patients we serve each and every day, Pfizer is pleased to partner with the American Lung Association on its Fight for Air Climb in New York City, the home of our worldwide headquarters," said Mike Hubert, Vice President of US Public Affairs, Pfizer Inc." We are proud to support the American Lung Association in its mission to help people lead healthier lives and live tobacco free."

"The New York Health & Racquet Club (NYHRC) is honored to sponsor the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb. This event will challenge our members and participants like never before to help further a wonderful cause," said Howard Brodsky, President & CEO, New York Health & Racquet Club. "Our instructors and trainers have a deep respect for our lungs and always educate clients on the importance of proper breathing when working out."

One of the most interesting aspects of the Fight For Air Climb is the Firefighters Challenge. At the Boston Climb, 29 Fire Departments and 238 firefighters competed in the challenge. The Lung Association is hoping to have even greater participation from fire departments in New York City and the surrounding areas. Firefighters compete against each other to climb to the top of the building while wearing full gear. Awards are given for the fastest firefighter and the fastest firefighting team.

Those who have questions about either participating in the climb or in available sponsorship opportunities should visit www.alany.org or email nycclimb@alany.org for more information. More information is also available on the New York City Fight For Air Climb Website. REGISTRATION OPENS PROMPTLY AT 9AM ON JUNE 21ST. SIGN UP EARLY TO ENSURE YOUR SPACE.

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Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in New York is the leading statewide organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, or to support our work, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.alany.org.

Posted Thursday June 17, 2010 at 10:32 am by American Lung Association in New York
Last Updated Wednesday August 25, 2010 at 11:17 am