Local Safety Professionals Step Up for Lung Health at Fight For Air Climb on February 17

On Saturday, February 17, hundreds of lung health advocates will climb the 25 stories of City National Bank Tower in the Fight For Air Climb, presented by Eddie Fisher Wealth Strategies of Raymond James. Among them will be a team representing the Central Florida Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and Women in Safety Excellence. Led by team captain Heather Earl, the passionate team of occupational health and safety professionals is coming together for the sixth year to support people with lung disease who are fighting for every breath due to personal or work-related lung conditions.

Earl got involved in the Fight For Air Climb in 2019 as an extension of a personal health journey in which she lost more than 100 pounds. Earl had donated to a Minnesota-based colleague’s fundraiser for the Minneapolis Climb, and she immediately signed up once she learned there was a Climb in Orlando. Racing up more than 500 stairs was just the exciting new challenge she was looking for. After she conquered her first Climb, she layered in more challenges, including climbing with a weighted vest and training with first responders on the Orange County Fire and Rescue Department team.

In addition to supporting the people in her life who have been impacted by lung disease, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mesothelioma and COVID-19, Earl saw connections with the Lung Association’s mission and her career in occupational health and safety. That’s why she gathered a team from the Central Florida Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals to join the Climb alongside her. Since 2019, the Central Florida ASSP/ChapterWise team has raised more than $20,000 to fund the Lung Association’s work in Central Florida and beyond. Earl also serves on the Fight For Air Climb Planning Committee.

Though her journey with the Climb began as a test of endurance, Earl sees the event as more than just another fitness challenge.

“I’ve seen everyone from first responders in full turnout gear to elite athletes to lung cancer survivors participating in these Climbs—and that’s what makes this event so inspiring,” said Earl. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about racing up to the top. It’s about coming together to support our community members who struggle for breath.”

Join Earl, the Central Florida ASSP/ChapterWise team and hundreds of other lung health advocates from Central Florida and beyond at the Fight For Air Climb Orlando on February 17. Participants can form a new team, join an existing team or register as an individual climber. Registration for the Fight For Air Climb Orlando is $35 and includes a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information, and to register, visit ClimbOrlando.org.

Earl added: “Support for lung health and clean air benefits all of us. There are so many public tools and resources that only exist because of donations and funds raised by events like the Climb. I want everyone to know that no amount of effort is too small.”

To request an interview with Heather Earl, please contact Victoria O’Neill via email at [email protected] or call 312-273-5890.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., is a member of the New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of The American Lung Association.