Chicago’s Soldier Field was transformed from a football stadium to a beacon of hope for thousands of people battling lung disease at the 15th annual Fight for Air Climb event on Sunday, May 19. Countless individuals packed the arena and climbed almost 2,000 steps, helping raise money and advocate for clean air and lung health in the Chicagoland area.
The climbers arrived at Soldier Field bright and early Sunday morning to get started. Following a tribute to local firefighters, the group was off to the races with a bagpipe send-off, navigating their way through the lower levels of the stadium all the way up to the 200/300 upper level of the north end zone. Climbers had the option to navigate the event one, two, or three times throughout the day.
Held by the American Lung Association (ALA), the Fight for Air Climb was started many years ago as a unique and fun way to bring awareness to an important cause in the city. Since its beginning, the climb has proven to be a triumphant win time and time again as participants get those legs moving to raise millions of dollars to help support people with lung disease. This year’s climb certainly followed suit with that success.
"What I am most proud of is that so many people came together to help support a great cause and assist those in need. We have cities, firefighters, and corporations represented, so I’m proud of the commitment displayed by so many people,” said Mike Telesky, Vice President of Sates at UnitedHealthcare of Illinois.
UnitedHealthcare is proud to return as a presenting sponsor for this year’s climb. An event all about advocating for strong lung health, it was an easy decision for UnitedHealthcare to step up again to help create a healthier tomorrow for Chicagoland.
Climbing so many steps is no easy feat, but it was a challenge many endured with a smile on their faces knowing their hard work was benefiting a worthy cause. GreatNews.Life Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown was excited to be a part of the experience this year. A proud advocate for a healthy lifestyle, Craig-Brown put her heart and soul into preparing for the big event Sunday morning. From getting her steps in the early hours to hiking around the sandy Indiana Dunes, she took hold of every opportunity she could find as she prepared for the climb.
“This race is an honor. I'm lucky, at 41 years old, to have the health I have to give back in this way, so I make sure that I do,” said Craig-Brown.
Thanks to the help of individuals like Telesky and Craig-Brown, many others across the Chicagoland area now have a chance for a healthier tomorrow and healthier lungs due in part to the many steps taken for the Fight for Air Climb event.
To learn more about the Fight for Air Climb, visit its website here. For more information on UnitedHealthcare, visit its website here.
And it is not too late to donate! If you are interested in assisting people with lung disease, please visit https://www.lung.org/get-involved/events/fight-for-air-climb.
