Firefighters, volunteers climb to support lung disease research

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Saturday, April 22, was the 15th annual “Fight for Air” climb in Providence at the Omni Hotel.

The climb, held by the American Lung Association is done yearly to support lung disease research, education and advocacy.

The executive director for the ALA, Daniel Bowler, said firefighters and volunteers race up stairs in full gear to support those affected by lung disease.

“It really started when the lung association wanted to bring home the mission of the fact that when you climb to the top of the stairs, you feel at the top the tightness in your chest, you’re trying to catch your breath, that’s what someone with lung disease feels everyday so that’s really the inspiration for the fight for air climb,” Bowler told ABC6 News.

He said this year, 450 volunteers participated. Among some of the climbers were athletes and health care professionals.