Fight For Air Climb at Oakbrook Terrace Tower Raises $150k to Fight Lung Disease

(February 14, 2018) -

On Saturday, February 10, an estimated 800 people packed the suburbs tallest tower at the 27th annual Fight For Air Climb at Oakbrook Terrace Tower. The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago event raised almost $150,000, which provides support, education, research and advocacy for the 1.3 million Illinoisans who suffer from lung disease.

“This year’s event was a testament to the incredible ability of the suburban Chicago community to come together for a great cause,” said Kristen Young executive director of the Lung Association in Greater Chicago. “We had hundreds of climbers, firefighters and first responders who came out to fight lung disease, local companies who rallied employees and funds, and amazing volunteers who gave their Saturday to help our community.”

The 2018 Fight For Air Climb, often referred to as a "vertical road race," empowers individuals to invest in their own personal health and fitness. After months of training and fundraising, the event concluded with a stair climb up Oakbrook Terrace Tower, which includes 31 floors and 680 steps.

In total, the 27th Fight For Air Climb at Oakbrook Terrace Tower resulted in:

• More than 600 registered climbers, plus 150-200 volunteers and staff members
• 24 first responders from 7 fire departments
• 16 police officers from 3 police departments
• Approximately $150,000 raised

On March 11, the Lung Association in Greater Chicago will host the 10th anniversary of the Fight For Air Climb at Presidential Towers. For the event, participants have the choice to climb 1, 2, 3 or all four towers. Each tower is 45 floors, 585 steps, so those who climb all four towers will complete a total of 180 floors, 2,340 steps. Registration for the Fight For Air Climb at Presidential Towers is currently open online or by calling 312-781-1100.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.