Local Woman Climbs to Honor Her Uncle, Colleague Lost to Lung Cancer

Michelle Bosquez lost both her uncle and colleague at MGC Diagnostics to lung cancer within the last few years. Now, she will honor them by climbing thousands of steps in the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s 2022 Fight For Air Climb on Saturday, May 21st at Allianz Field. MGC Diagnostics is one of the sponsors of this year’s event.

“I love the fact that the Fight For Air Climb is outdoors in the spring and seeing all the different people that participate, especially the firefighters climbing with all their gear,” said Bosquez. “It is not uncommon for some of our team members to have their spouse or children climb with us – it becomes a family affair.”

When Bosquez’ s Uncle Ray was diagnosed with lung cancer, it spread very fast. While he was in a lot of pain, he never complained, and Bosquez considered her uncle one of the strongest men she has ever known. It was very difficult for the family to see him suffer like he did. On February 5, 2019, Uncle Ray passed away from lung cancer. Bosquez is also climbing in memory of her colleague, Bill Beck, who lost his battle with lung cancer in June 2019, quickly after his diagnosis. He was a valued team member at MGC Diagnostics for 24 years and is sorely missed. 

For five years, Bosquez has participated in the Fight For Air Climb with her MGC on the Move team. In total, the team has raised around $25,000. For this year’s event, Bosquez hopes to raise $5,000 with MGC on the Move.

Funds raised at the Fight For Air Climb will help support the Lung Association’s local research, education and advocacy efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease. There are 619,000 Minnesotans living with chronic lung disease and countless others suffering from lung cancer. In 2022 alone, it is estimated that 3,980 Minnesota residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 1,950 will die from lung cancer. 

“I am passionate about educating our society about vaping,” said Bosquez. “I feel like the younger generation does not have any idea how harmful vaping is and they need to know. We need to educate the younger generation and parents about the hazards of vaping.”  

The Fight For Air Climb will be held at Allianz Field in St. Paul, home of the Minnesota United. Featuring a 
one-of-a-kind experience and the best set of stairs in the Twin Cities, Allianz Field is the perfect setting for a day of fun, challenge and camaraderie. Climbers can take up to 4,380 steps inside the stadium.

For more information, and to register for the event, visit FightForAirClimb.org/StPaul. 

As the trusted champion of lung health, the Lung Association closely follows CDC guidance related to COVID-19. The organization’s COVID-19 safety protocols may shift in response to updated COVID-19 local conditions and local ordinances. The Lung Association reserves the right to adjust safety protocols, up to seven days prior, based on CDC guidance and/or venue, state, and local ordinances.