Participants climbed nearly 1,200 steps at Louisville’s Lynn Family Stadium on Mar. 29 during this year’s Fight for Air Climb. More than 300 people took part in the American Lung Association event and raised almost US$160,000.
Organizers set a US$150,000 goal and climbers smashed through it. The money supports lung disease research, education programs, patient services and clean air advocacy across Kentucky and the United States.
Firefighters scaled the stairs in full gear while respiratory therapists, nurses, physicians and everyday families joined them. Many honoured loved ones who battle lung disease or lost their lives to it.
People from many different walks of life showed up to support a good cause.
“So proud to be part of this organization and local leadership board to advance the efforts and care needed in one of the worst states statistically for lung health,” said American Lung Association board member and Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ: ISRG) (ETR: IUI1) sales representative Caleb Zehnder.
Event builds on 12 years of impact
The Fight for Air Climb has grown into Kentucky’s signature stair-climbing fundraiser. This marks the 13th year the American Lung Association has hosted the event in Louisville.
What started as a modest climb now ranks as one of the organization’s biggest annual gatherings in the region and draws participants of all ages and abilities.
Over the past decade, the climb has raised millions nationally for lung cancer research, asthma education and COPD support while spotlighting the need for cleaner air. Louisville’s version remains the city’s only stair climb and continues to set new records each year.
Top fundraisers drive record success
Individual leaders and strong teams powered the fundraising effort. John Walsh, a man who lost his wife to pulmonary fibrosis, topped the list and raised US$6,147. Kim Bishop, whose father passed away from COPD, followed with US$5,995; and Lee Wisdom, an American Lung Association Leadership Board member in Kentucky, collected US$4,737.
The top three teams made an even bigger impact. The Lungs of the Irish/Walsh Nation team generated US$17,463, the Crushers team raised US$12,809, and Abrams Air brought in US$12,520.
These fundraising participants include healthcare professionals who treat lung patients daily, first responders who face smoke and poor air quality on the job, and community advocates. Their efforts turn personal connections into powerful support for research that improves breathing for thousands.
“Events like this are an important reminder that behind scientific research and new technologies are patients, families, and communities working together to improve lung health and outcomes,” said Breath Diagnostics in a social media post. Representatives from the local lung cancer screening company participated in the event.
Supporting lung health not only in the lab, but also on the stairs.
Together with many others, we climbed and raised $160,000 for lung health research.
Our colleagues Dean Johnson, Logan Zechella, and Roland Jones participated in yesterday's 13th annual Fight for Air Climb by… pic.twitter.com/JiFUszrdfZ
— Breath Diagnostics Inc. (@OneBreathDx) March 30, 2026
Read more: Breath Diagnostics advances pre-op pneumonia screening with FDA breakthrough designation
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