Are you ready to make the climb?

During the 15th annual Fight For Air Climb – Cleveland, participants climb 54 floors, taking 1,268 steps. It’s the American Lung Association’s signature fundraiser.

Fight for Air Climb - Cleveland attracts families, corporate teams, veterans, sports and fitness teams and individuals wanting to test their strength and stamina while joining the fight against lung disease.

The 15th annual Fight For Air - Cleveland, presented by the Northfield VFW Post 6768, takes place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Key Tower in downtown Cleveland. The Fight for Air Climb is The American Lung Association’s signature fundraiser.

“The Cleveland Climb increases public awareness about lung disease and raises funds for education, research and advocacy,” Cleveland ALA development manager Catherine Widemire says. “The 54-floor climb is an opportunity to do something challenging, have some fun and raise funds.”

Fight for Air Climb - Cleveland attracts families, corporate teams, veterans, sports and fitness teams and individuals wanting to test their strength and stamina while joining the fight against lung disease.

The ALA supports research and advocacy for lung diseases including asthma, COPD, cancer and Covid-19, and advocates for clean air initiatives, radon awareness and much more. 

“If you can’t breathe, nothing else matters,” Catherine says. “And if you can’t climb, there are other ways to participate, including sponsorship and volunteering.”

Registered participants receive a t-shirt and enjoy a full catered lunch, snacks and entertainment. 

“Whether you’re an athlete with a goal or a one-step-at-a-time grab the handrails climber, this is the event for you,” Catherine says. “And 90 cents of every dollar raised goes to ALA programs and services.” 

Are you ready to climb your way to the top?

For event details and registration, visit ClimbCleveland.org.

Barry noticed a lump on his neck and finally told Ma about it. The dentist recommended seeing a doctor. Over the next 19 months, my role as daughter transitioned to caregiver as extensive small-cell lung cancer took the breath away from my best friend.

From the first visit to the primary care physician, concerns were raised and whispers of the “C” word began circulating, followed by scans, biopsies and ultimately our family of three piled into an exam room eagerly awaiting the diagnosis and prognosis. 

The oncologist explained that due to Barry’s 40-plus-year smoking habit, cancer developed in the lungs and spread to the lymph nodes. He described extensive small-cell lung cancer as fast-growing with a high chance of reoccurrence and limited treatment options.

Initial treatment of chemotherapy and radiation followed by immunotherapy warded off cancer growth for seven months until aggressive cancer cells spread to the brain, abdomen and adrenal glands and formed a large tumor that protruded from his left cheek. Adverse side effects from the brain radiation led to eating struggles and extreme weight loss. 

Barry was enrolled in a successful clinical study, but treatment left him listless. A second bout with pneumonia led to a family meeting with the medical team where it was suggested that Barry go home under the care of hospice to live out his last days with dignity and a better quality of life than they could offer. 

On October 11, 2024, Barry took his last breath. 

Being a Lung Force Hero was never my plan, but as so often is the case, the universe had a different one. I desire to be a lung cancer advocate who meets people where they are, holds their hand and shows them that they are seen, respected and never alone throughout this cancer journey.

American Lung Association Lung Force Heroes share their personal stories to inspire, encourage and empower us to raise our voices to defeat lung cancer. 

For 19 months, Becca Puckrin and her mother Debbie Gibson were caregivers for Barry Gibson until he lost his battle with lung cancer in October. This is why Becca is making the climb. Pictured L-R: Debbie, Barry and Becca.

• What: 15th Annual Fight for Air Climb, presented by the Northfield VFW Post 6768
• When: Sunday, March 2, 2025 - 8:00 a.m.
• Where: Key Tower, Cleveland
• Details: 54 floors/1,268 steps; for ages 7 and up
• Cost: $35. Mimi readers use code LUNG10 for $10 off. A $100 minimum fundraising requirement to participate.