ORLANDO, Fla. — On Saturday, nearly 200 people “ran the stairs” to raise money for the American Lung Association.
The 13th Florida’s Fight for Air Climb took place at Exploria Stadium and raised more than $69,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease and support the organization’s COVID-19 Action Initiative.
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The event normally takes place in the stairwells of the City National Bank Building, but was moved outdoors this year for the safety of participants, volunteers and staff.
The 177 registered participants and 29 teams, including Sheriff Mina and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office team, climbed 1,000 stairs throughout Exploria Stadium.
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Organizers also offered a “Climb Your Way” option for those who couldn’t make it to the physical event.
“For the safety of our constituents and staff, we pivoted to an outdoor venue this year and saw a tremendous outpouring of support and participation from the local community,” said Janelle Hom, executive director for the Lung Association. “Thank you to all of our participants, volunteers and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of people facing lung disease, lung cancer and COVID-19.”
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Money raised at the Fight for Air Climb 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.