Don’t look down, but if you do, just know it is for a good cause.
Over 480 participants scaled the stairs of downtown Indianapolis’ Salesforce Tower on March 8 for the American Lung Association’s annual Fight For Air Climb.
Participants raised over $210,000 to support Hoosiers affected by lung disease.
Locally presented by Kindred Hospitals, the event challenged climbers of all ages and fitness levels to ascend 47 floors (approximately 1,054 steps) to support lung health research, education and advocacy.
The funds raised contribute to ongoing efforts to combat lung cancer and other respiratory diseases affecting an estimated 1.16 million Indiana residents.
Executive director of the American Lung Association Tanya Husain said the organization is “very grateful” and “so proud” of all who participated in the fight against respiratory illnesses on a brisk Saturday morning.
Lung disease remains a significant public health concern. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, with smoking, air pollution and environmental factors contributing to its prevalence.
In Indiana, an estimated 5,300 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually. Events like the Fight For Air Climb provide crucial funding for studies into early detection, improved treatment and preventative measures.
The Fight For Air Climb is only a portion of a national effort by the American Lung Association to raise awareness and funds for those living with lung disease.
The organization, dedicating itself to improving lung health for over a century, focuses on four key pillars: defeating lung cancer, advocating for clean air, supporting individuals and families affected by lung disease and promoting a tobacco-free future.
With the success of this year’s Indianapolis climb, the association looks forward to next year’s event and continuing its mission to improve lung health across Indiana.
Donations are still being accepted by those interested in supporting the cause.
“Thanks to the determination of our supporters and climbers, we raised $210,000 and counting to help ongoing efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease in Indiana,” Husain said.
For more information about the American Lung Association’s initiatives or ways to contribute, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit their official website at lung.edu.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
 raised over $210,000 in their annual FIght for Air Climb at Satlesforce Tower in downtown Indinapolis.){kind=link}