Des Moines Police Lieutenant Climbs Principal Park with Officers, Son to Raise Awareness of Lung Disease

West Des Moines Police Department Lieutenant, Ryan Anderson, will climb thousands of steps with his fellow officers and his 9-year-old son, Gavin, in the American Lung Association in Iowa’s Fight For Air Climb, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, at Principal Park on Saturday, May 7.

“Climbing with my fellow police officers and my son at this year’s Climb means a lot,” said Lieutenant Anderson. “We are doing this for a good cause, not only in Iowa, but all over the United States.” 

There are 36.6 million people in the United States living with chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Here in Iowa, there are 415,000 people living with chronic lung disease and over 2,400 people who have lung cancer. In 2022, it is estimated that 1,450 people in Iowa are expected to die from lung cancer. The Des Moines Fight For Air Climb raises funds to help end lung disease, including lung cancer, through lifesaving research, local programs and advocacy.

“I am proud to participate for an organization who cares so much about lung disease,” said Lieutenant Anderson. “Fundraising for the Climb is exciting since we compete against other police and fire departments on who can raise the most money. Also, having the first responders participate and making it a race between all of them brings so much excitement.”

Participants in this year’s event can take 834 stair steps or challenge themselves by climbing the same route up to four times in the event’s new “Single, Double, Triple, Homerun Climb Challenge.” The Lung Association is also offering a “Climb Your Way” option for those who can’t attend the event. 

Gavin participated in his first Climb in 2021 and he loved it. He will race in the double climb challenge at this year’s event.

In his first year climbing in 2018, Lieutenant Anderson won the fastest climber in the police category. He’s participated in every Climb since with the hopes of bringing another trophy back to his police station. The West Des Moines Police Department are looking to raise as much money as possible for this year’s Climb.

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

The Lung Association is committed to the health and safety of its participants and volunteers. The organization will continue to closely monitor public health conditions and CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Everyone is encouraged to check the Climb website for the most updated information leading up to the event.