American Lung Association invites residents to climb the Sports Illustrated Stadium to end lung disease
NEW JERSEY – To fund lifesaving research, prevent lung disease and support people living with lung disease and lung cancer, the American Lung Association in New Jersey is hosting the 13th annual Fight For Air Climb New Jersey at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison on Sunday, April 27 starting at 8:30 a.m. with a fundraising goal of $100,000 for lung health.
The Fight For Air Climb at the Sports Illustrated Stadium is the Lung Association’s premier stair-climbing event to raise money to help achieve its mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. For the event, participants climb 780 stairs at the stadium, which features one-of-a-kind views and the best set of stairs in New Jersey. The event is designed for every type of climber from beginners to competitive climbers.
“Event participants will support the 1,175,000 people living in New Jersey and 35 million in the U.S. with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, who are fighting for every breath. Each year, it is truly inspiring to see hundreds of residents step up to help raise awareness and funds for family, friends and neighbors facing lung disease,” said Erica Masin, Executive Director of the Lung Association. “The Sports Illustrated Stadium is the perfect setting for a day of fun, challenge and camaraderie at our annual Fight For Air Climb event, and we invite everyone to join us for this impactful day.”
The Fight For Air Climb includes separate Firefighter and First Responder divisions as well. The event builds comradery and friendly competition between the fastest and top fundraising teams, all while raising awareness for lung health.
“As a healthcare worker in a specialty care hospital supporting individuals with respiratory conditions, I see firsthand how lung disease impacts lives in our community every day. I’m honored to serve as the Chair of the Fight For Air Climb New Jersey and represent National Sponsor Kindred Hospitals, a company dedicated to making a difference in our communities. This event is more than just a physical challenge—it’s an opportunity to raise awareness, fund critical research, advocate for lung health, and stand with the millions of people affected by lung disease. Every step we take brings us closer to a future where everyone can breathe easier,” said Tuesday Rowan, Fight For Air Climb New Jersey Chair, and Chief Nurse Executive for Kindred Hospitals New Jersey. Rowan has been a climb participant since 2022.
Joining the Fight For Air Climb supports the work of the Lung Association to end lung cancer, champion clean air, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and create a tobacco-free future. In addition to supporting lung health, stair climbing has significant health benefits. It improves balance and coordination, strengthens major muscles, including your glutes; and consistent stair climbing as a daily activity helps lower mortality risk.
For more information and to register, visit www.FightForAirClimb.org/newjersey.
