Hundreds climb to 'Fight for Air'

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Hundreds took to the stairs Saturday at Regions Tower as part of the American Lung Association's fundraiser, Fight for Air.

It was the event's fourth year in Indianapolis and a record-breaking year.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to get back into shape,” said a participant.

More than 800 Hoosiers decided against the elevator and instead took the stairs – 35 flights of them – during the American Lung Association's fundraiser.

“I think people don't understand how prevalent it is," said Liz Abren with the American Lung Association. "So, funds raised through our climb help combat that and make research grants throughout the community and the country so that we can end lung cancer,” a  Fight for Air climber said.

Climber Katie Tucker understands. Her grandmother is a lung cancer survivor – still living with Emphysema and COPD. Her grandfather didn't survive it.

“This is a personal mission for me,” she says. “It's a daily reminder of what people who can't breathe are feeling. I can't imagine feeling like this for the 10 minutes that I am, let alone every day of my life.”

The event was a good reminder and a great mission to raise money. Those fighting for air were those doing it for a good cause.

“I felt wonderful. Just a little burn in the lungs but I'm thinking about doing it again.”

Abren says lung cancer is the number one cancer killer for both men and women, and one of the least funded.