San Diego CA— Falck San Diego, a subsidiary of Falck – the world’s leading emergency services provider – and the American Lung Association of California gathered with San Diego leaders, residents and survivors of lung illness to begin the countdown to this year’s Fight for Air Climb. Falck is this year’s presenting sponsor of the March 29 event, which challenges the public to ascend the entire height of the tallest building in San Diego, climbing all 657 steps to raise support, funds and awareness for those affected by lung disease.
The Fight for Air Climb Kickoff Party was held at Broadway Athletic & Swim Club this past Tuesday evening. Attendees were able to learn more about the Lung Association’s mission, hear stories from Lung Force Heroes – those living with a serious lung condition – and meet children from the Lung Association’s Southern California Asthma Management Program (SCAMP) Camp. SCAMP Camp is a weeklong summer camp specifically for children with asthma who would normally be unable to attend camp due to the severity of their conditions. Falck announced that its climbing team will offer a buddy system for SCAMP CAMP kids and Lung Force Heroes who are interested in doing this year’s climb. Falck’s EMTs will buddy with a child or survivor the day of the event and ascend the steps together to raise awareness about the number of people affected by lung disease and illness. For those who cannot climb, Falck’s team will proudly ascend the steps in their honor to promote cleaner air for all.
“Children especially are affected by lung disease and illness, and our SCAMP Camp kids are excited to participate in this year’s Climb alongside Falck EMTs,” said Teresa Contreras, Director of Development for the American Lung Association in California – San Diego. “We are thankful to see these children, survivors and their families have a voice and a climber on their behalf.”
Falck has invited the kids from the camp, Lung Force Heroes, transplant survivors, along with their families to join Falck at the Climb and participate in the day’s festivities. These children, volunteers and survivors will be sharing their stories and showing support for those currently fighting lung related illness as they climb alongside Falck and the San Diego community.
“As an emergency medical services provider, we see how many people, especially children, are affected by lung illness and disease, and are unable to participate in everyday activities,” said Mark Norman, ‎Managing Director at Falck San Diego. “Our EMTs are thrilled to be able to provide this unique support system to those affected by lung disease who are participating in the Climb, and are honored to climb on behalf of those who can’t.”
Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the nation’s leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, taking more lives than breast, colon, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined. Lung disease is particularly prevalent in California as 90 percent of Californians live in areas with unhealthy air, contributing to breathing problems for the more than 5 million of our state’s citizens afflicted with asthma.
Spots are still available for this year’s Climb event. Online registration is open at www.FightForAirClimb.org. For more information about the event, please contact Teresa Contreras at (619) 683-8650 or visit www.FightForAirClimb.org.