Personal and Physical Challenges will be Tested at the Fight For Air Climb Lansing

LANSING MI (07/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Halloween costumes and workout clothing will replace the sea of green and white that typically surrounds Michigan State University's Spartan Stadium on a Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, October 30, 2010, climbers will gather to take on the 1,795 stairs of Spartan Stadium in the American Lung Association of Michigan's first annual Fight for Air Climb Lansing.

For participant, Sarah Stamiris of Canton, the climb will not only be a physical challenge, but an emotional challenge as well.

Stamiris will be climbing the stairs in honor of her grandfathers, both who have battled against lung issues and lung cancer. "My Grandpa Don died of lung cancer at the age of 71 and my other grandpa was a smoker for over 50 years before he quit," said Stamiris. "Both of my grandpas suffered from emphysema and C.O.P.D."

Stamiris is a member of the team Leah V. Fitness, a first year team that tries to train together once a week in preparation for the demanding climb.

"I have no idea how long it will take all of us to do the stairs, but to successfully finish the event [as a team] and to have healthier lungs, is my personal goal," said Stamiris.

As a first year participant, Stamiris is excited to be part of the American Lung Association and its effort to "raise money…to help fight lung cancer."

The 2010 Fight For Air Climb Lansing takes place on Saturday, October 30, 2010. Check-in opens at 9 a.m. at Michigan State University's Spartan Stadium in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit www.ClimbLansing.org or call 1-248-784-2000. Registration is $20 with a $100 pledge minimum.

####

NOTE: For interview opportunities, please contact Jessie Jimenez-Schlicht at 248-784-2018 or jjimenez@alam.org.