JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Participants raised nearly $150,000 for lung health research for the 17th annual Fight for Air Climb on Saturday morning.
More than 350 community members and lung health advocates climbed 37 floors, 734 steps, to the top of the Bank of America Tower.
The money raised will support the American Lung Association’s research and advocacy for the more than 3 million people in Florida living with lung disease.
“We are grateful to everyone who came out today to support loved ones, friends and neighbors who are impacted by lung disease and fight for every breath,” Jeremy LaTraverse, Jacksonville Climb event chair, Frozen Category manager at Southeastern Grocers, and Firefighter/EMT said. “Thank you to our participants, firefighters and first responders, volunteers and sponsors who came out today to raise nearly $150,000 to save lives—with more funds still coming in. Every step we’ve taken today will help us get closer to a future free of lung cancer and lung disease.”
This event has been a favorite for Donny Kwon and Paul Wagner as they’ve been doing this for a combined 24 years.
“I grew up with asthma, my grandfather died of emphysema, uncle, lung cancer,” Wagner said.
People like Wagner have been personally affected by lung disease or lung cancer and despite the friendly competition they do, they are all about support.
“I do it for Paul and then it’s the people that I have around me every year,” Kwon said.
Troy Alston and Kate Mays were the first male and female finishers. Alston, a 14-year veteran knows the climb very well and has done 77 total climbs for the ALA. He said it’s like running a 5K for the first time.
“You get to come out, push your limits, and also make a difference in somebody else’s life,” Alston said.
The firefighters were in their heavy gear, carrying along equipment and the legacies of those who have passed.
“This is the first year that I had my son and daughter do it as well so it’s a family affair to get out here,” Mays said.
