American Ninja Warrior Finalist 'The Flying Phoenix' Najee Richardson Joins American Lung Association Fight For Air Climbs in Five Cities

Today, the American Lung Association announced the dates and locations of five Fight For Air Climbs where American Ninja Warrior TV series finalist and National Fight For Air Climb Ambassador Najee Richardson will appear across the country. In 2019, Richardson will host teams and climb with attendees in the following cities:

• March 3: Denver Republic Plaza
• March 10: Chicago, Presidential Towers
• March 30: Philadelphia Three Logan Square
• April 6: New York City One Penn Plaza

Serving as the Lung Association’s signature fundraising events, Fight For Air Climbs are hosted in prominent skyscrapers across the nation and challenge participants as they walk, run or race up hundreds of stairs. Richardson will lead a team of climbers in each featured city, and everyone is invited to join Najee’s virtual nationwide team to raise money for lung disease education and research. You can also donate to his team at Lung.org/flying-phoenix-climb.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to live with a lung disease, and I also know that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams. I’m proud to partner with the American Lung Association who has been on the frontlines of funding lifesaving research,” said Richardson. “As this year’s Fight For Air Climb Ambassador, I encourage everyone to join me in climbing and fundraising for the Lung Association. You can also join my virtual Climb team, where you can access my exclusive video training tips and even add to my training Spotify playlist.”

“I want everyone to know – kids and adults, people with asthma and without – that with preparation and commitment, you can achieve your dreams,” Richardson said. “And you don’t have to be a professional athlete to climb: if you can walk a mile, you can climb.” Read more about Najee on the EACH Breath Blog.

Funds raised through the Fight For Air Climbs help support the American Lung Association Research Team and programs like Asthma Basics, Open Airways for Schools and the Asthma Educator Institute. For nearly 115 years, we have led the fight for healthy lungs and healthy air, whether it's searching for cures to lung diseases, preventing youth tobacco use, or fighting for healthy air protections.

“Najee Richardson serves as an inspiration for children and adults across the country, and he reminds us that lung disease does not have to slow you down,” said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. “Najee has already accomplished so much despite living with asthma, and as he tackles skyscrapers across the country in 2019, we are thankful that he’s sharing his powerful story and raising awareness about lung diseases.”

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 Richardson or a lung health expert, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628.