American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

How Do My Donations Help?

With the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association saves lives by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air.  Today, our fight is more important than ever.  Eighty-one cents of every dollar raised by our organization goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

What is the Fight for Air Climb?

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the American Lung Association. They take place in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps and flights of stairs. Sometimes called a "vertical marathon," teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, challenging yourself or racing against other people, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends.  Stairclimbs are great cross training events for athletes who can not train outdoors in the winter.  Novice and expert athletes of all ages are welcome to climb.  We know a lot about lung disease, but there is so much we don't know. Your participation will raise the funds necessary to provide life saving education, research and advocacy so we can beat lung disease and find a cure.

What Are the Registration Fees and Fundraising Requirements?

Please see the Event Information (link) page for details on current registration fees.  All participants are required to raise a minimum of $100 in addition to their registration fee by the morning of the climb in order to participate.   For special instructions on registration, click here.

What Time Should I Be There?

Please refer to the Climber FAQ page for specifics on check-in times.

Where Should I Park?

Please refer to the Directions link on the homepage.

What Is a Team Captain?

Being a team captain is easy.  Captains gather together a few friends or family members and encourage them to participate in the event together.  Each team captain helps to coordinate the online registration of these individuals as well as setting a goal for the team overall.  Team Captains should encourage their participants to personalize their fundraising pages, send e-mails to other friends and family, hit their overall goals, show up to the event and have a great time.  Some team captains organize gatherings before or after the climb for their team members, but this is not required.  Sometimes the team captain serves as a representative for pre and post climb events.  The American Lung Association needs help to rally the troops, and the best people for the job are always our team captains.   Additional Team Captain resources are available under the Get Involved menu.  If being a team captain interests you, click here to Start a Team.

What Is a Team Vs. an Individual Climber?

Teams are groups of four or more climbers that want to participate together.  They increase awareness and make fundraising and training easier and more effective plus they have more fun!  Each member is responsible for his/her own individual registration fee (there are no team registration fees) and his/her own $100 fundraising minimum.

Individual climbers can be anyone interested in supporting the ALA, fighting lung disease or seeking a new challenge.  You will register, fundraise and climb on your own, but you always have the option of starting your own team later.

Will My Team Be Climbing Together?

All climbers are given start times based on the climb option you and/or your team has chosen.  Start times are used to avoid congestion in the stairs and starting lines.

What Should I Do with the Cash/Check Donations that I Collect?

Donations raised prior to the event can be brought or mailed to the American Lung Association.  Please do not send cash in the mail.  A pledge tracking sheet can be found on the Participant Resources page with directions on how to send in your donations.  Donations can also be brought to check-in on the day of the Climb.

How Do I Earn a T-Shirt?

Participants who meet or exceed their $100 fundraising minimum will receive an official Climb t-shirt.

Will There Be Water and Medical Service Available?

Yes, water is located at designated stations throughout the Climb.  Signage is posted to direct you to the nearest water station.  Medical staff will also be on-site for those who need any assistance throughout the event.  Any volunteer can assist you and put you in contact with medical personnel.  If you must exit in case of an emergency or you are unable to complete the climb, see assistance from event staff or volunteers and you will be escorted properly.  Do not exit on any floor; there are procedures in place for your safety.

Will There Be a Marathon Start?

The Fight For Air Climb does not have a marathon start, and it is not a relay.  Climbers will start in 15 second intervals, and teams will be grouped together. 

What Do I Bring With Me On The Day of the Event?

Please bring any fundraising dollars you have collected and not yet turned in.  A list of specific Day of Event information will be e-mailed (or sent) to each participant the week of the event and additional information can be found on the Climber FAQ sheet.  Please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy.  You will have so much fun!

How do I sign up?

You can register online by following the links in the left margin or you can call our office and register over the phone during normal business hours at (216) 532-8203.