Fort Myers Daily

American Lung Association, Launches First Local Stairclimb Event, Fort Myers Fundraising

Following the lead of chapters around the country, the Gulfcoast Chapter of the American Lung Association has replaced its annual 5K walk with the first ever “stairclimb” in Southwest Florida. Registration is underway for the 2010 Fight for Air Climb, scheduled for May 1 at the High Point Place, 2104 West First St. in Fort Myers.

During stairclimbs, participants raise money by collecting pledges to ascend the stairway in a high-rise tower. High Point Place, the tallest building between Tampa and Miami, is donating access to one of its towers for the Fight For Air Climb, and Lee Memorial Hospital is the presenting sponsor.

“We are so excited to bring a stairclimb to Fort Myers and are thrilled with the initial enthusiasm from volunteers and participants registered to climb,” said Kurt Goerke, regional director of the Gulfcoast Chapter of the American Lung Association. “We have groups already training for the stairclimb, and we believe the event will not only be a fundraising success, but will be a lot of fun for our climbers.”

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fund-raising events for the American Lung Association, usually occurring in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps. Sometimes called a “vertical road race,” teams and individual participants often use the event as a fitness target, as a race or as a way to be active and meet new friends. Many climbers participate to support someone who has lung disease or as a memorial to someone who has passed away. The lung association chapters in West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale also host Fight for Air Climbs.

Teams and participants already have registered for the Fort Myers event. The registration fee is $25 and each climber must raise $100. More information and online registration is available at www.FightForAirClimbFtMyers.org.

“High Point Place offers climbers 30 floors and 514 steps, which will provide for a nice fitness challenge,” Goerke said. “Already we have groups of firefighters and active runners and walkers training to climb with us. Volunteers are working hard to plan and promote the event, and businesses are aiding their support as well. Our goal is to raise $70,000.”

In addition to Lee Memorial Health System and High Point Place, sponsors include BB&T, Clear Channel Radio, Microware Inc. and Rene’s Restaurant. For more information on getting involved, call 239-908-2680.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.

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