Lung Association's Fight For Air Climb is Coming to Downtown Buffalo February 12

ALBANY, NY (02/02/2011)(readMedia)-- The American Lung Association in New York will host the Fight For Air Climb in downtown Buffalo on Saturday, February 12 at 10 am. The Fight For Air Climb challenges participants to reach the 38th Floor of One HSBC Center – a total of 800 steps -- to raise awareness about lung disease. Donations raised from the Fight for Air Climb will help fund critical research to treat, prevent and cure lung diseases; asthma education for families and schools; smoking prevention and cessation services and; clean air and tobacco control advocacy efforts at both the state and local level. Registration for the Fight for Air Climb is now open online at www.alany.org or the Fight For Air Climb website. Participants can sign up as an individual or form a team. Event sponsorships are still being accepted.

"The Lung Association is excited to bring our Fight For Air Climb for the first time to downtown Buffalo," said Scott T. Santarella, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in New York.

Santarella noted that the Fight For Air Climb is being held the same weekend as the Buffalo Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival. Those traveling to participate in the Fight For Air Climb can look forward to a fun-filled weekend replete with activity.

"This will no doubt be a very exciting weekend in Buffalo," said Santarella. "We look forward to increasing awareness about lung disease and fundraising the dollars we need to prevent more suffering and save more lives."

Santarella stressed that people of all fitness levels can compete in the event. "You don't have to be an athlete to compete in the Fight for Air Climb," said Santarella. "Some people sprint up the stairs; others take their time. And while thirty eight stories may seem like a daunting task, an average time for completing 40 flights is approximately 17 minutes. It's really an achievable goal."

For those who are unable to participate on February 12 but who want to support the Lung Association's mission, there is the option of signing up as a virtual climber. Virtual climbers get their own online fundraising page just like on-site participants but are exempt from meeting minimum fundraising requirements.

The Fight for Air Climb also includes a Firefighters Challenge where firefighters compete against each other to climb to the top of the building wearing full gear. Awards are given for the fastest firefighter and the fastest firefighting team.

The Lung Association is grateful to our Fight For Air Climb sponsors and supporters: One HSBC Center, Buffalo News, 103.3 The Edge, M &T Bank and Phillips Lytle LLC.

"There are more than 2.5 million New Yorkers suffering from asthma and lung diseases who depend on our work," said Santarella. "We're relying on the generosity of Buffalonians and people from all across Western New York and beyond to support our efforts to improve lung health by climbing, sponsoring the event or making a donation."

For more information about participating in the Fight for Air Climb, the Firefighter Challenge, or available sponsorship opportunities should visit www.alany.org or email buffaloclimb@alany.org.

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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.