JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of people embraced the climb Saturday morning in efforts to help end lung cancer and lung diseases.
This is the American Lung Association’s 13th annual “Fight For Air Climb,” which includes a combination of ramps and stairs at TIAA Bank Field.
There are about 600 stairs and more than 1,500 steps total. It started at 8 a.m. and goes until 11 a.m.
The event was previously held at the Bank of America Building, but the pandemic led organizers to make the move to TIAA Bank Field so it could be outdoors.
Participants make every step count during the climb. They have their own stories and climb for their friends and loved ones who suffer from lung cancer and lung diseases.
The Executive Director of Fight For Air Climb, Karen Hughes, told News4Jax that one of their sayings is, “If you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
Hughes said this event is to honor and memorialize those who suffer from lung issues.
“Whether it’s asthma, lung cancer, or other lung conditions, a lot of people are really here to promote lung health in our community and to honor and memorialize those that they love,” Hughes said.
ALA says nearly 37 million Americans live with chronic lung disease.
So far, more than $94,000 has been raised. The funds will support research, education and advocacy for anything from lung cancer to clean air.
Fight for Air Climb! “Healthy lungs and clean air. That’s why we Climb.” Foggy start to the morning at @TIAABankField! Climbers are spaced out! @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/vQ6vo39Bpo
— Brittany Muller (@BrittMullerNews) March 27, 2021
Kingsland firefighter Jeremy LaTraverse and dozens of fellow firefighters across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia climbed with their gear.
It weighs 60 pounds.
LaTraverse said he was climbing Saturday for his mother, who quit smoking over 10 years ago to better her life and for his grandfather in law, who they lost to lung cancer.
John Finn said he participates in the climb for his family members.
“My father-in-law, who I do it with, he has COPD, my dad who has a double lung transplant and survived, plus my aunt, who is my godmother and she has cancer.”
Finn says he has participated since the climb began 13 years ago.