Join the Fight for Lung Health: Celebrate 20 Years of the Fight For Air Climb in Tampa!
Community Gears Up for 20th Anniversary of the Fight For Air Climb in Tampa
Tampa, FL — On Saturday, April 5, the American Lung Association in Florida will mark a significant milestone as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Fight For Air Climb. This premier stair-climbing fundraiser will take place at the iconic Bank of America Plaza, the city’s second-tallest skyscraper, which has hosted 18 out of 20 Tampa Climbs.
“For twenty years, the Gulf Coast community has stepped up to raise awareness and funds for their families, friends, and neighbors living with lung disease,” said Andrea Guptill, Chair of the Fight For Air Climb Tampa and National Sales Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Join us to celebrate two decades of advancements in lung health and contribute to a future free of lung cancer and lung disease. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
Since its inception, the Fight For Air Climb has witnessed remarkable changes in the Tampa metro area, which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. The revitalization of the downtown waterfront through the Riverwalk, coupled with local sports triumphs—such as the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory and the Lightning’s two Stanley Cup wins—has transformed the community.
Most notably, advancements in lung health over the past twenty years have been significant. Thanks to early detection and innovative treatments, the lung cancer survival rate has risen to 28.4%. The Lung Association has invested over $200 million into research aimed at finding new treatments and cures for lung cancer and lung disease, including funding four projects at Moffitt Cancer Center. The organization has also made strides toward a tobacco-free future by advocating for stronger tobacco control policies and providing resources for those looking to quit.
“The Lung Association is proud to serve our Gulf Coast community and the more than 3.2 million Floridians living with lung disease and lung cancer,” Guptill added. “Our mission has never been more critical. We are researching new treatments and cures, tackling the youth vaping epidemic, protecting the air we all breathe, and helping people live healthier lives. Participation in the Fight For Air Climb fuels our mission and deepens our impact. See you on the stairs!”
The Fight For Air Climb is designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned climbers and first responders in full gear. With 42 floors and 914 stairs, participants can set their own pace, making it a day filled with fun, challenge, and camaraderie.
Registration is open to individuals and teams, including friends, families, and organizations, at a fee of $35 with a $100 fundraising minimum. Participants not only support lung health but also enjoy the numerous health benefits of stair climbing, which improves balance, coordination, and muscle strength while potentially lowering mortality risk.
To join the fight against lung disease and celebrate two decades of progress, visit ClimbTampa.org for more information and to register.
As the community gears up for this landmark event, it’s clear that the Fight For Air Climb is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Tampa Bay area in the battle against lung disease.