The American Lung Association’s popular “Fight For Air Climb” event designed for every type of climber – from beginners to competitive climbers, along with first responders and firefighters – is set to make its return to the Metropolitan Square Building in downtown St. Louis this weekend. On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., climbers will see the world from a whole different perspective as they tackle the best set of stairs this side of the Mississippi, scaling the building’s 42 floors to race up 900+ steps (or taking it at their own pace) to support people with lung disease who are fighting for every breath.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness and funds to support the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through education, advocacy and research. Registration fees and fundraising dollars go toward making the nonprofit’s work possible to defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families and more. Today, that fight is more important than ever, and 90 cents of every dollar raised will go directly to the cause. Participants can register online through Friday or in-person on the morning of the event to climb as a team, an individual, or join as a volunteer.
When climbers get to the top, they can experience what it feels like to suffer from lung disease and empathize with individuals who suffer through it every day. According to the American Lung Association’s most recent “State of Lung Cancer” report, about every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer, and every day, lung cancer takes the lives of more than 361 of our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Missouri ranks 44th among all U.S. states for new lung cancer case rates at 67.7 (per 100,000 population), which is significantly higher than the national rate of 53.6.
During Saturday’s event, climbers can also show their appreciation for local firefighters and first responders rallying to bring home a coveted Challenge award for full-gear, modified-gear and no-gear categories for teams and individuals. ALA’s mission hits close to these everyday heroes due to their increased susceptibility to lung disease as unhealthy air is an occupational hazard. In the line of duty, exposure to harmful gases, chemicals, particulate and other substances create a greater risk for potentially damaging short and long-term effects on the respiratory system.
Additionally, for those looking for a different type of challenge but still wanting to make an impact, “Climb Your Way” is the perfect alternative adventure. Participants can choose a personal challenge for themselves and their team or for a solo climb, whether that be climbing the stairs in their house, running outside in a nearby park or hiking their favorite trail. Some tools to help include the free Climb app where individuals can track activity and steps, in addition to access fundraising information and connecting with friends, family and colleagues about the climb.
For more information on the Fight For Air Climb – St. Louis and how to get involved, click here. To learn more about the health effects of exposure to polluted air and tips to reduce emissions to help protect lung health, visit the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @gatewaycleanair.
