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> Features > Health & Fitness > Second annual stair climb a heart-pounding success
Second annual stair climb a heart-pounding success |
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By Courtney Llewellyn
Reminder Assistant Editor
SPRINGFIELD - Their legs ached and their breaths often came in gasps, but the more than 200 men and women who climbed the 24 stories at Monarch Place on a Saturday morning used the experience to help those who may have trouble climbing a few steps.
The second annual American Lung Association Fight For Air Climb in Springfield took place March 6 starting at 10 a.m. A total of 223 climbers pre-registered for the event, with 20 more registering the day of.
To climb, each participant had to raise at least $100. As of March 9, climbers had brought in over $42,000 to benefit the American Lung Association (ALA).
The money raised goes toward lung research and local ALA programs such as Healthy Choices, Healthy Lungs, which is presented in schools, and the Better Breathers support group.
"Our original goal was to have 150 climbers," Bianca Walker, Manager, Development, for the Springfield office of the ALA, said. "It was initially overwhelming to have to so many people this year, but it was exciting." She added that her fundraising goal for year was also surpassed by more than $10,000.
"That's very exciting, especially in this economy," she added.
Walker noted there was a good mix of returning and new climbers this year, including local fire departments that climb the stairs in full gear and on oxygen. The fastest individual climber this year was Chris Solarz, with a time of two minutes, 16 seconds. The fastest fire department hailed from Holyoke.
Kristin Miculcy, a member of the Reminder Climbers team, finished her climb in four minutes, 57 seconds. It was her first year, and she's already looking forward to next year's event.
"It's all for a good cause," she said. "I do a lot of charitable work, and in these economic times, you can't forget those who really need it."
Robert Chiaradio, a member of the Bob's Buds team, is currently the top individual fundraiser, gathering $1,250; the HNE Stair Devils were the top fundraising team.
Walker said donations are still being taken to support those who participated in the stair climb. Fundraising will be open until March 26, and donations can still be made online at www.climbofyourlife.org or they can be mailed to the ALA's office at 393 Maple St., Springfield, MA 01105.
The ALA's next big fundraiser will be its Fabulous Fifties Ball, taking place May 7 at the Springfield Marriott. Tickets and sponsorships are still available. Contact Bianca Walker at 505-5064 or bwalker@lungne.org for more information.
To learn more about the ALA and its services, visit www.lungne.org.
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