St. Cloud Fire Rescue Featured in First American Lung Association Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar

Today, the American Lung Association launched its inaugural 2021 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar to honor local heroes and support the vision of a world free of lung disease. The first-ever calendar features Alicia Weaver from St. Cloud Fire Rescue.

Every year, hundreds of firefighters race up hundreds of stairs in full gear weighing over 45 pounds during the American Lung Association’s Orlando Fight For Air Climb. Calendars can be pre-ordered starting today for $20 each, to be delivered in October. Each calendar features photos of firefighters at their local Fight For Air Climb from Los Angeles and New York to Milwaukee, Orlando and everywhere in between.

Weaver was chosen as one of the Lung Association’s top Fight For Air Climb supporters nationwide. She has participated in the Orlando Fight For Air Climb for 10 years and raised more than $1,500 for the Lung Association.

“In the line of duty, firefighters are regularly exposed to smoke, gasses, chemicals and other substances that can be damaging to their lungs, making them at an increased risk for chronic issues, including lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma, and allergies, and in more extreme cases, lung or bronchial cancer,” said Janelle Hom, executive director of the Lung Association. “Firefighters are out there saving lives every day, so hopefully the work we do at the American Lung Association can help prevent lung disease and find a cure for lung cancer. We are honored that so many local heroes participate in our event.”

Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders. One of the many pollutants found in smoke is particle pollution, which is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in air so small that they enter and lodge deep in the lungs. Firefighters can inhale smoke and a wide range of chemicals that may be present in a burning building.

The Fight For Air Firefighter Calendars will include fire-safety tips and statistics on how fires affect our lung health, as well as tips for how to train for your next Fight For Air Climb. For more information about the Fight For Air Firefighter Calendar visit Lung.org/Calendar.