*Paid Endorsement*
Inhale, exhale. Repeat. The movement of air through our lungs often goes unnoticed, but for the American Lung Association (ALA) this simple function is a vital component for living a healthy life. ALA is committed to helping all Americans breathe easier, a mission that draws support from across the country. On March 8, Chicago will do its part for the ALA and host the 2020 Fight For Air Climb – Chicago.
The Fight For Air Climb fundraisers are held in prominent skyscrapers across the country, giving participants the opportunity to join together to raise funds while climbing the stairs of multiple buildings to the top. This unique athletic fundraising challenge is open to all ages and fitness levels, with climbers ranging in age from 4 to 81 years old in years past.
“The Fight For Air Climb – Chicago is an event that anyone can participate in, no matter your age or current fitness level,” said Erik Maranto, Development Director at ALA. “The climb will take place at Presidential Towers, and every participant has the option of climbing one, two, three or all four towers.”
Each tower equals 45 floors and 585 steps, and climbers who do all four towers will have climbed 180 floors and 2,340 steps for the cause.
“Through events like the Fight For Air Climb, we are able to fund our work to improve air quality, educate residents on lung health, and help people who suffer from lung disease,” Maranto said.
Participants may have a myriad of reasons for making the climb, but all are united in a greater purpose.
“Whether you are climbing alone or with friends and family, as a part of a healthy lifestyle or in honor of all those who are affected by lung disease, you will achieve a sense of personal accomplishment as you reach the top of the building and the height of your fundraising potential,” Maranto said. “Every step you take moves us forward in our fight for healthy lungs and clean air”.
Michael Telesky, Vice President of Sales for UnitedHealthCare in Illinois and Northwest Indiana, serves on the local leadership board for the American Lung Association. He and more than 20 team members from UnitedHealthCare, the climb’s local presenting sponsor, will be climbing alongside others on March 8.
“The American Lung Association’s mission to improve lung health and prevent disease closely aligns with UnitedHealthCare’s mission- helping people live healthier lives®,” Telesky said. “I am very excited to be a part of the climb and raise funds for the ALA.”
Though the climb will take place in Chicago, Telesky encourages Northwest Indiana residents to make the drive up north and take part in this inspiring event.
“I was one of more than 100 climbers who came out from Northwest Indiana last year,” Telesky said. “This is the largest climb in the country, and well worth the short Sunday drive from Northwest Indiana to participate.”
People are able to participate in the Fight For Air Climb – Chicago either as a participant or as a volunteer. All participants will pay a registration fee and are required to fundraise 100 dollars by event day to be able to climb. All climbers will receive an event t-shirt and finisher’s medal upon completing the climb.
For those not too keen on climbing but still feel inspired to participate, the Fight For Air Climb is looking for volunteers to keep the day running smoothly.
“We are always in need of several hundred volunteers to help set up the event on March 7 and support it on March 8,” Maranto said. “They help make this possible and we couldn’t do it without them.”
Interested volunteers can go to the following link to register as a volunteer – click here.
To register for Fight for Air Climb – Chicago visit FightForAirClimbChicago.org
Registration is open until March 5 and will reopen at the event on Sunday, March 8 at 6:30am.
