American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb Buffalo Moves Outdoors to Support Lung Health, COVID-19 Action Initiative on May 22, 2021

Today, the American Lung Association in Western New York announced that it will host its annual Fight For Air Climb Buffalo, outside at Highmark Stadium, on May 22, 2021 from 9am-4pm. The event will operate as a hybrid with both outdoor and virtual options, as part of the event’s “Climb Safe Commitment” which will also include spatial distancing, health screenings, sanitation protocols and face masks on site. The Climb will support research, advocacy and education for lung diseases, lung cancer and COVID-19 with a fundraising goal of raising $120,000

As part of the Fight for Air Climb Buffalo 2021, the Lung Association has introduced the Climb21 Challenge, empowering participants to “Climb Your Way” for the 21 days leading up to the in-person event. This challenge utilizes the new Fight for Air Climb app (available for Apple and Android devices) and invites climbers to virtually ascend famous landmarks across the globe, like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon and Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) leading up to our in person event on May 22nd.

“The Fight for Air Climb is a treasured community event in Buffalo and we are excited to see it evolve and expand this year, by moving it both outside and online,” said Kaelyn Gates, development director for the American Lung Association in Western New York. “Our mission to improve lung health and air quality through education, research, and advocacy has never been more important than it is today and we are simply willing to do whatever it takes to advance that mission and improve people’s lives, while keeping our community safe and healthy during this challenging time.”

Amy Moritz, a Buffalo resident and Fight for Air Climb participant said, “It has been a year since my mom died from lung cancer. When my mom was first diagnosed, I joined the Flight for Air Climb as place I could channel my fear,sadness and joy—and now my grief as well.  In the years since, I learned how the American Lung Association funded research that gave my mom extra time—time to be with her family and friends, and time to be able to see me get married and attend my wedding.”
  
“I climb again this year to celebrate her life and her legacy. I know my mom would have loved to be able to achieve just one of those flights of stairs. So, I'll do them all. For her. For me. For all of us to have healthy lungs and healthy air. For all the daughters hoping their mom will be able to make it to their wedding day.” 

Amy is also volunteering as the committee chair for the Fight for Air Climb Buffalo, and is a returning top fundraiser for the event.  To support Amy, or to learn more about her mom’s story, visit her team page here. 

Money raised through the Fight for Air Climb Buffalo will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

There is a $35 registration fee for the Fight for Air Climb Buffalo with early bird discounts available for those registering before April 9. This year, the Firefighter Challenge will be sponsored by the Buffalo Medical Group, with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the Official Health Sponsor. Gieco Buffalo, Immediate Care is sponsoring the Lung Hero Honor Program, with other local sponsors including Southtowns Radiology, Foit Albert, Hodgson Russ, WGRZ Channel 2, U Evolve Buffalo and H&H Entertainment. More information and registration are available at fightforairclimb.org/buffalo.