Kayla Byrnes “Steps Up” Against Lung Disease

Team Debbie will Race Up Boston Place in memory of lost loved one who fought for air

Boston, MA (January 17, 2012)—

Kayla Byrnes, a Bridgewater State College student, will be climbing for the third year this February with her team, Team Debbie. Team Debbie is named in honor of Kayla’s mother whose lung disease claimed her life in 2009. Led by their fearless leader, the team has had tremendous success in fundraising and is a remarkable asset to the Boston stairclimb event. Kayla has even joined the event comittee. In 2011, the team raised more than $5,000.

Debbie Byrnes and her battle with lung disease, though brief, is a perfect example of how lung disease can take someone, and their loved ones, by storm. Debbie was diagnosed with pneumonia in July 2009. Just a few days later, she was overwhelmed with pain and was rushed to Norwood Hospital. After several lung collapses and a heart attack, Debbie was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which her family was told is “incurable and fatal” by doctors. “My mom was 47 years old; how could she have a heart attack? She ate all organic foods, and she ran two miles a day,” thought Kayla. On October 26 of that same year, Debbie was removed from life support, after several more medical setbacks.  She passed away thirteen days later. For four long months, Debbie fought until her body could not fight anymore.

Kayla has even started a Facebook fan page for Team Debbie, with her mother’s photograph as the main image. It is evident to anyone who has ever visited the page, with 235 "likes" currently, just how many people love and grieve for Debbie Byrnes. The page provides its followers with all information pertinent to climbers, links to the team’s fundraising page, and includes countless thank yous to the team’s supporters and those who have donated to the cause. Kayla has truly kept her mother’s memory and spirit alive through her unceasing efforts.

For the upcoming stairclimb, Team Debbie hopes for continued support, an even greater donation to present the American Lung Association, and more team members. In 2010, the first year Team Debbie participated in the event, the team consisted of ten members. By 2011, the team doubled, and included twenty team members. Family members make up a good portion of the team; however, a few of Kayla’s friends also climb in Debbie’s memory, which can be attributed to their love and support of their friend’s mother.

The Race Up Boston Place stairclimb event hopes to raise $350,000 through the generosity of climbers, donors, and sponsors. All proceeds benefit lung disease research, advocacy and programs as well as smokefree and clean air initiatives in Massachusetts. Climbers are subject to a $35 registration fee and a $100 fundraising minimum. Visit www.climbofyourlife.org for more information.

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About the American Lung Association in New England

The American Lung Association of New England is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. ALANE serves CT, MA, ME, NH, RI and VT.