Woman Climbs Children’s Mercy Park for Loved Ones, Community Members Affected by Lung Disease

When Heather Simmons participates in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb, presented by Empower, at Children’s Mercy Park, on June 11th, she will be climbing for a plethora of her closest loved ones and all those in Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area suffering from lung disease.

“My father and my husband both have asthma. My grandmother had lung cancer,” said Simmons. “Both my parents are ex-smokers as well, which makes me incredibly proud. Nearly half a million people in the Kansas City area alone live with lung disease. I want to do what I can to help make their lives easier.” 

Simmons is Lead Strategist of Participant Communications at Empower – a retirement financial planning agency and one of the top fundraising teams of this year’s Kansas City Climb. She sees her company’s mission of fostering “stronger, healthier and more vibrant” communities as aligning with the Lung Association’s drive to help people live their best lives. The Empower team, along with its leader, is motivated by a deep passion for ending lung disease.

“This cause is near and dear to so many of my colleagues,” Simmons said. “In fact, it was many of them who inspired me to get involved in the American Lung Association and the Fight For Air Climb.”

Simmons has been a leading social media advocate for the Kansas City Climb, spreading the message of resilience and empowerment championed by the Lung Association. She looks forward to seeing people defy the odds and embrace the challenge, having recently done so herself by losing over 140 pounds. The event is a great way to build stamina and engage in aerobic cardio exercise that is known for improving lung health. She will also use this opportunity to show her children how to give back to the community and grow stronger in the process.

“I’m excited to be a part of something that supports so many people impacted by lung disease,” Simmons concluded. “While many of us proactively do things within our control to protect our lungs and the lungs of our loved ones, there is more we can do.” 

The Fight For Air Climb raises funds and awareness for lifesaving research, education and advocacy surrounding lung disease of all kinds, including COVID-19. For more information about the Climb, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/KansasCity.

The Lung Association strongly recommends that all participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Participants, volunteers, and staff are encouraged to wear a mask when in high traffic areas at the event such as registration and the start line. The Lung Association will continue to closely monitor public health conditions and CDC guidelines before the event.