JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Saturday, hundreds took part in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at TIAA Bank Field.
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This marked the 14th year for the event, and community members were challenged to climb more than 1,600 steps.
The goal: a world free of lung disease.
Action News Jax spoke with Jack Avery, who is on the Climb Committee for the American Lung Association.
“I have COPD,” Avery said. “I want to prove that COPD cannot kill you. You can kill it. This is my 14th climb, and it’s the most wonderful exercise in the world.”
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Avery said that he wants to encourage others who feel that they cannot take part in moments like the Fight for Air Climb due to having COPD.
“I say get up and do it,” Avery said. “You can do it. It can be done.”
He expressed the importance of keeping your lungs fresh, as he said he was a former smoker who had to suffer the effects of smoking.
“Quit smoking,” Avery said. “If you smoke, throw them away.”
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Kate Mays, a board member with the American Lung Association, hopes people will support the cause in any way possible. She has a 4-month-old daughter and wants to teach her how to live a healthy life.
“It’s a great organization that raises a lot of awareness and funds for lung research,” Mays said. “I’m just proud to be here.”
Individuals, families, firefighters, first responders and corporate teams from throughout Northern Florida took part in the climb.
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Organizers say the money raised at the Fight For Air Climb Jacksonville will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the organization’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics.
Organizers say they raised over $114,000 on Saturday.
More than 300 participants took part in the climb, including 41 teams.
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