“I’m Carrying Them with Me:” 11-Time Stair Climb Veteran To Climb 50 Stories in Memory of Loved Ones

Charlotte woman, Angela Town, is gearing up for her 11th Fight For Air Climb to raise awareness and critical funds to end lung disease. She will be joining hundreds of participants, from beginners to competitive climbers to firefighters in full turnout gear, in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb Charlotte at The VUE on March 23. Town will be using the memory of the people she is climbing for to propel her 50 stories upwards.

Town initially became involved in the Fight For Air Climb as a way to take her fitness journey to the next level. She had learned of the Charlotte Climb, which debuted that year, through a fifteen-second radio PSA and immediately wanted to learn more. She grew up watching her grandmother struggle to breathe due to asthma and felt a connection to the Lung Association’s mission.

“I’m a competitive person, so originally, I just wanted to set a goal so I could look back at my progress. See if I could beat my time and go faster every year,” Town recounted. “But seeing all the climbers come together for loved ones and friends who have passed or are struggling with lung issues is what keeps me coming back. It became so much more than just getting to the top.”

Then, just three years into her climbing journey, Town’s Uncle Jerry passed away from lung cancer. In the years since, she has also lost several friends to the disease.

“I think that we all know someone who has died or has been diagnosed with lung cancer,” Town remarked. “More than 1.4 million people in North Carolina currently struggle with lung disease. We’re climbing to support them.”

To honor the people she has lost to lung disease, Town began writing their names on her climbing bib to carry them with her. Over the years, it has become a tradition and a way to mentally prepare for the event.

“Before I climb, I take a few minutes to put my hand on my bib and center myself. I get so much energy from the names I carry—they help me remember why I am climbing. Those people will never be able to climb a 50-story building,” said Town. “When it gets really hard, and my lungs are burning, it’s the names on my back that give me the strength to keep climbing.”

Town began including more of her community and invites them to share names to add to her climbing bib. With the help of Town, participants, sponsors and partners, the Fight For Air Climb Charlotte has set a fundraising goal of $140,000 to support lung health.

The Climb is open to individuals with all fitness levels, and Town is encouraging the community to participate.

“It’s only a race if you want it be,” said Town. “It’s intimidating, but anyone can walk up those steps. Don’t let the magnitude of the building persuade you not to do it. It’s so important for us to come together and support those who are struggling with lung disease. At the end of the day, nothing is more important than being able to draw a breath.”

Registration for the Fight For Air Climb Charlotte is $35 and includes a $100 fundraising minimum. Use discount code ClimbingForOthers at checkout for $10 off registration. For more information, and to register, visit ClimbCharlotte.org.