Carlinville Woman’s Passion for Teaching Fuels Passion for Stair Climbing

Karen Geninatti's passion for teaching helps fuel her passion for climbing. The Carlinville native plans to climb Wyndham City Centre on Saturday February 10 at the American Lung Association Springfield's Fight For Air Climb presented by CEFCU.

“When I am climbing, especially when it’s really hard, I think about how lucky I am that I can do this, and how fortunate I am to be able to use my lungs, so that others may use theirs,” said Geninatti.

This will be Geninatti’s 14th year participating in the Springfield Climb. She loves the competitive nature of stair climbing and travels across the U.S.to compete in stair climbs and has even climbed in the world championships in Qatar.

"I would pay to do Stair climbs no matter what, but it’s the icing on the cake when my money is going to such a good cause," said Geninatti. “Seeing people do what they didn’t think they could do. Seeing that feeling of empowerment and accomplishment at the end makes me smile."

Geninatti trains year-round for stair climbs. She does a lot of high intensity workouts, step masters, burpees, running and leg work to stay in shape.

Climbers of all skill levels will race up the Wyndham City Centre's 32 floors to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for lung disease. The funds will also go to health programs that support the more than 1.8 million Illinoisans living with lung disease.

“Seeing people do what they didn’t think they could do is amazing,” said Geninatti. “Seeing that feeling of empowerment and accomplishment at the end, just makes you smile.”

 Karen Geninatti is available for interviews about the Climb, and you can contact Janye Killelea for requests at [email protected] or via phone at 312-940-7624. 

Get involved and help the mission of American Lung Association. You can learn more about the Fight For Air Climb in Springfield at FightForAirClimb.org/Springfield.