Photo: Greg Nesbit Photography
Vermont Business MagazineAmerican Lung Association in Vermont turned out over 80 participants, including 20 firefighters for the 9th annualFight for Air Climb at the Bennington Battle Monument. Participants walked jogged or raced up 412 stairs to raise awareness and funding for lung disease research during the Civilian Challenge and a timed Firefighter Challenge, where 20 local firefighters raced to top while wearing full fire-fighting gear, weighing approximately 50 lbs.
“The Bennington and larger Vermont community has stepped up to the plate at our annual Fight for Air Climbs,” said Jeff Seyler, Executive Vice President, Northeast Region of the American Lung Association. “When we feel the energy of this community and its brave firefighters we are inspired to fight harder, work smarter and do better to beat back lung disease and lung cancer, once and for all.”
The event featured BollyX warm-up with Metta Physical Therapy, PLLC. The fastest male and female civilians were Alex Workman, crossing the finish line at1:18and Amber Davis at2:15. Top firefighters were Andrew Giza from Warren Fire Department finishing at2:27and Allison Loebs at4:50.
Fight for Air Climb events are the American Lung Association’s most unique fundraisers. Climbs take place in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve walking, running or racing up hundreds of steps. Sometimes called a "vertical road race," teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends.
Thousands of Vermont residents suffer from lung diseases including lung cancer, COPD and asthma. The funds raised at the Fight for Air Climb support the Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The Fight for AirClimb at Bennington Battle Monumentwas locally sponsored by WCAX, CAT-TV, and Bennington Banner and booths featured VSECU, Bennington Rescue Squad, Medical Reserve Corps of Vermont, Let’s Grow Kids, and RGS Energy were vendors at the Climb.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA(1-800-586-4872) or visit:Lung.org.
BENNINGTON, VT (September 15, 2017)– American Lung Association in Vermont