American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

What is a Fight for Air Climb? 

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the American Lung Association.  They usually happen in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps.  Sometimes called a "vertical road challenge", teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target with you challenging yourself, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends.  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 soon find a cure.

The event is timed, but open to participants of all athletic abilities.  You set your own pace!  

When is The Wilkes-Barre 2012 Fight For Air Arena Climb? 

This climb will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2012 in the Mohegan Sun Arena.  The first climber begins at 1:00pm. 

Who can climb?

Individual students and sport teams, gym members, firefighters (in full gear or not) individuals, families, friends and company teams are all invited! Children 14 and older may also climb if accompanied by an adult.  We invite climb participants to provide electronic photos of loved ones that they are climbing to pay tribute to and we will post them along our special Tribute Flight at mid-point of the climb. It is an inspiration to see all our loved ones and it really helps keep us all climbing!!

When do I arrive?

Starting at 12:00 noon, you can check-in to get your bib in a timely manner before the climb starts at 1:00pm.

What do I bring with me on event day?

Please bring any fundraising dollars you have collected and not yet turned in.  There are no lockers or changing rooms available to store items so travel light.  You may also bring a bottle of water, but most importantly, please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy! 

What are the requirements for climbing?

All climbers must pay a non-refundable registration fee of $25 and reach a minimum additional fundraising goal of $100 by event day (March 24th).  All donations not previously turned in can be brought to the event and turned in at the pre-registration table.  Additional donations and fundraising (over the required $100) can be turned in up to May 15, 2012 and counted towards fundraising awards and prize totals.

Why doesn't my non-refundable $25 registration fee count towards my fundraising goal?  The $25 registration fee helps cover costs of event, such as event t-shirts.  Participants are asked to fundraise the minimum of $100 and are encouraged and challenged to raise above the minimum.  Any funds over $100 qualify for additional prizes.  All donations go to the American Lung Association's mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Can I give someone part of my donations to help them reach their $100 goal?

Yes, a donation may be moved from one climber to another in order to reach the minimum fundraising goals.  Contact Donna Ray-Reifler at dreifler@lunginfo.org.

How do my donations help?

With the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania 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.

How do I get there?  Directions

Please see the "Directions" link above the left menu for directions to The Mohegan Sun Arena.

Where should I park?

The Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza parking lot is located adjacent to the venue and is accessible via Highland Park Blvd. or Mundy St. The Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza offers free parking for our Fight for Air Arena Climb event from noon until 4:00pm.

Start Line:

Line monitors will assist you at the Start Line.  Fire Fighters are the first to begin the climb, followed by athletes and then the general public.  All participants will begin the climb in 15 second intervals.

How many stairs will I climb? 

Challenge yourself to climb one entire floor (1,244 steps both up and down the Arena).  There will be water stations, medical volunteers and security in designated areas for your safety and convenience throughout the climb, if you need a break or need to exit the stairs. 

Where is the water?

Water stations are at the beginning, mid-point and end of the climb.  Please keep hydrated before, during and after the event.

Can we carry stuff on us while we climb?

I-pods/music devices/heart monitors may be used, but must be worn properly, for example: cords must be tucked, no loose cords may dangle from your body as could be cause for injury.  (If this is seen, staff/volunteers/and security may ask you to remove for safety reasons.)

What about personal belongings?

There are no lockers/storage spaces or changing rooms available so personal belongings are discouraged.  We highly recommend limiting what you bring to the climb and leaving coats and bags in your vehicle or with a friend/family member who is not climbing.  The American Lung Association, Mohegan Sun Arena, staff, management or volunteers are not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen. 

Can guests watch the climb event?

For your safety, a limited amount of special seating is reserved for non-participant guests.  Your guests will be required to stay in their seats until you have crossed the finish line.

How do I view my climbing results?

Unofficial results will be provided at the finish line, occurring immediately after every climber has finished.  Official results will be available online at www.fightforairclimb.org later in the week following the climb.

How does timing work?

Every single climber is timed with a time clock, whether you decide to race or just walk.  

Are there Awards?

Yes, every participant will earn a Commemorative Climb Tee Shirt and a finish line photo to remember their ultimate challenge.  There will also be an award for the top fundraiser.  Everyone who raises over $150 earns an additional prize (see "Incentives under "Get Involved" on the top menu).

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 friends 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.  In short, we need help to rally the troops and the best people for the job are always our team captains.  Click on the "Start a Team" link under the "Sign Up" menu on the left to start your own team.

Are pets allowed?

Sorry, but pets are not allowed in the arena.

How to honor a loved one.  

Submit a photo of a loved one to be displayed on our Lung Champion Tribute Flight.    Email the photo, honorees name and what lung disease they have/had to: dreifler@lunginfo.org

How do I sign up?

You can register online by clicking on one of the options under the "Sign Up" menu on the left.  If you need more information about our Fight for Air Arena Climb, please contact Donna Ray-Reifler at 570-823-2212 or dreifler@lunginfo.org.