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Lung Association Celebrates 10 Individuals on 10th Anniversary of Fight For Air Climb

Some have made it their duty to climb all 10 years, others have personal and emotional motivation to support those with lung disease

LOUISVILLE, KY | March 7, 2023

A true perfect 10! In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the American Lung Association in Kentucky’s Fight For Air Climb, the organization celebrates 10 climbers that are community champions for lung health. These 10 individuals exemplify the spirit of determination and inspiration as well as what it means to take action for the community.
  • Luke Selfridge is the 2023 Lung Health Champion for the Louisville Climb. He is 7 years old and one tough young boy. When he was 3 months old he had an orange-sized tumor removed from his lung. Luke will be climbing again this year, and you won’t be able to miss him because he will be wearing his trademark Santa hat.
  • Peggy Karman and her husband Dr. Robert Karman (a member of the Lung Association’s Leadership Board) have an 11 person climb team who are currently the top fundraising team this year.   They have a significant personal interest in lung health and this is their first time participating.
  • Lindsay Thurman is not your typical lung disease patient. New, effective treatments and great medical care for her pulmonary arterial hypertension has given her a new lease on life. She is running in marathons, participating in the Fight For Air Climb and more.
  • Debbie Burdorf has climbed all 10 years and is a Fight For Air Climb Ambassador. She’s also had the largest/and or highest fundraising team for consecutive years.
  • Kyle Fekete is a firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department who’s climbed all 10 years.  He is a Fight For Air Climb Ambassador who’s had   the largest and/or highest fundraising firefighter team for consecutive years.
  • Nipa Patel lost her father two years ago to pulmonary fibrosis and her 10-member family and friend team, 4-Dad, honors his memory. Nipa is Vice-President at Humana, a Platinum Sponsor for the Louisville Climb, and is a member of the Lung Association Leadership Board.
  • Peg Darcy   is a retired teacher from the Louisville area who has climbed all 10 years. She serves on the event’s planning committee and is also a Fight For Air Climb Ambassador.
  • Andrew Feast (affectionately known as the “Serial Kilter”) has climbed all 10 years in a traditional kilt. He is an extreme climber and motivator, plus, a staff member of the Lung Association.  
  • Bridget Bailey Williams is an extreme athlete who owns Sophisticated Living Magazine. She has climbed all 10 years and this year she plans to do 50 laps around the Lynn Family Stadium in celebration of her 50th birthday. y. Bridget is also a Fight For Air Climb Ambassador and serves on the American Lung Association’s Leadership Board.  
The Perfect 10 will join hundreds of supporters, families, athletes, first responders and local corporate partners. on Sunday, March 26, to climb in support of the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease.

More than 742.000 people in Kentucky suffer from lung disease. Funds raised from the event will support the Lung Association’s efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through lifesaving research,  education and advocacy.

For more information, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Louisville.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]

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