Are you up for a challenge to raise money for a good cause? The American Lung Association’s second annual Fight for Air Climb will be held at the Capitol Center in downtown Columbia on Saturday, May 21 at 8 a.m. The venue, the tallest building in the state, will host hundreds of participants, including local firefighters, as they race all 479 steps to the 25th floor to raise funds and awareness in the fight against lung disease.
Each year, the American Lung Association in South Carolina hosts many events to raise money to fight lung disease and promote lung health. Nationwide, lung disease is the single leading cause of infant mortality and is the third leading cause of death, affecting one in six people. Further, statistics indicate more than 213,000 people were diagnosed in 2007 with lung cancer, 160,000 of whom died. That is more than melanoma, breast, prostate, kidney and colon cancers combined. In 2009, it was estimated that 13.1 million adults have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and 24.6 million Americans have asthma, including 7.1 million children.
The Fight for Air Climb has brought together participants with diverse backgrounds from throughout the Midlands: lung cancer survivors, families of those who have lost loved ones, competitive climbers, those who just want to climb for fun and, of course, firefighters.
Firefighters are disproportionately affected by all types of lung disease. In the line of duty, they may experience exposure to gases, chemicals and other substances with potentially damaging effects to the respiratory system. The firefighters participate by climbing in full gear, which adds an extra 70 pounds of weight. The event also features competitive climbers aiming to beat the fastest time from last year, as well as fun-run climbers with a personal achievement goal of just reaching the top. Join the fun and put your lungs to the ultimate test.
For more information visit
www.fightforairclimb.org or call
(803) 779-5864.
