American Lung Association Announces National Fight For Air Climb Ambassador: American Ninja Warrior Finalist, 'The Flying Phoenix' Najee Richardson

The American Lung Association is excited to announce that Season 10 American Ninja Warrior Finalist Najee Richardson, also known as ‘The Flying Phoenix,’ is the National Ambassador for the Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climbs across the country. Najee was first introduced to the American Lung Association in the Spring of 2018, when he shared his experiences with asthma with hundreds of people at the Climb in Philadelphia. One of the American Lung Association's signature fundraising events, Fight For Air Climbs are unique events hosted in prominent skyscrapers across the nation and challenge participants as they walk, run or race up hundreds of stairs. Through research, education and patient programs, funds raised help the more than 33 million Americans living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and other lung diseases.

“The American Lung Association is proud to support American Ninja Warrior Najee Richardson – ‘The Flying Phoenix’ – who shows everyone that it’s possible to live a full, active lifestyle even with asthma,” said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. “Najee serves as an inspiration for the millions of Americans living with asthma, including 6.1 million children, and we’re proud to have Najee serve as the new Fight For Air Climb Ambassador.”

 Najee announced this new collaboration with the Lung Association on his social media channels after the finale aired on September 10, 2018, which also featured the Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb in Philadelphia.

 Najee states, “For 2018, my journey ended on American Ninja Warrior, but I’m not allowing asthma to stop me from achieving my dreams. I am excited to announce that I’m using my voice and platform as ‘The Flying Phoenix,’ spreading my wings, to join the American Lung Association as the Ambassador for Fight For Air Climbs across the nation! I want to inspire kids and adults, especially those with asthma, to reach for their dreams and will be attending key Climbs in the year ahead. Join me in my fight against asthma by making a donation to the Lung Association or joining my Climb team in Philadelphia (in person or virtually) or create your own Fight For Air Climb team at a location near you.”

With programs like Asthma Basics, Open Airways for Schools and the Asthma Educator Institute, the American Lung Association is the nation’s leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. For more than 110 years, we have led the fight for healthy lungs and healthy air, whether it's searching for better treatment options and cures for lung diseases, preventing and reducing tobacco use or fighting for laws that protect the air we all breathe.

 See what climbs are happening in your area and visit the Fight For Air Climb website to learn more. For media interested in speaking with Najee or a lung health expert, contact Allison MacMunn at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628.