Moving stories from walkers, survivors and patients

URBANDALE, IOWA (September 28, 2013) - Jessie McLearn-Montz walked for his sister, Amanda, whose lungs collapsed four times in her early teens. Karen and Pam Van Deest walked for their father who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nadine Killmer is a lung cancer patient and walked with her sister, Maureen Ekeland in memory of Nadine's husband, who died from COPD. The University of Iowa Lung Transplant Team had more than 100 walkers, 17 of which are lung transplant patients, along with their families, as well as donor families.

These are just a few of the heartfelt stories from some of the participants in the American Lung Association in Iowa's 2013 Fight for Air Walk. Hundreds of Des Moines residents and Iowans from across the state and the mid-west walked the 5K at Principal Park (I-Cubs Ballpark) this past Saturday, September 28. Some photos are attached and can be used by media at will. A photo credit to the American Lung Association in Iowa is appreciated. Contact Micki Sandquist for more photos or information.

Every year, the Fight for Air Walk gives individuals the power to improve the air we breathe by taking action and fundraising. The Lung Association saves lives by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air. Eighty-eight cents of every dollar raised goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

About the American Lung Association in Iowa: Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.LungIA.org.


DES MOINES, IA (March 27, 2013) -Three times the challenge and three times the fun is set for Sunday, April 7th at the 10th annual "Fight for Air Climb" to raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association in Iowa. Over 1,000 participants will climb up the stairs of  three prominent Des Moines Buildings: EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower and the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.

This unique event, now in its 10th year, attracts participants of all shapes and sizes. There is a climb for everyone! Participants can choose to climb one, two or three buildings. If a participant chooses to climb all three buildings, it is 66 floors!

Online registration is open until midnight, Sunday, March 31st with a registration fee of just $25.  Each participant is required to raise or donate a minimum of $100 on or before event day to benefit the American Lung Association.  Visit FightForAirClimb.org to learn more about the event and to register today! After Sunday March 31st at midnight, call the American Lung Association directly to register at 515-309-9507.

Thank You To Our Event Sponsors: EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Cable Connection, Interstate All Battery Center, Van Meter, The Iowa Clinic, Scheels, Otis Elevator, Push Pedal Pull, Above+Beyond Cancer, Mercy Cancer Center, Mediacom, KIOA and Business Record

About the American Lung Association: Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungia.org.

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Your goal this new year? Climb!

Des Moines, IA (December 3, 2012) - Resolve to embrace a new you this new year.  Give yourself a tangible fitness and weight loss goal: climb one, two or three buildings in downtown Des Moines when you sign up for the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb on Sunday April 7, 2013.

"Thousands of Iowans will resolve to lose weight and get in shape this New Year," said Micki Sandquist, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Iowa.  "Signing up and training for the Fight for Air Climb is a strong motivator to get to the gym and a fun way to diversify your workout. It's also a great way to remind ourselves of what most of us take for granted - our ability to breathe easily."

The Fight for Air Climb is a unique event held at three buildings in downtown Des Moines: EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower and the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. This event is a great way to challenge yourself - whether your goal is to reach the top or to be the first to cross the finish line - you will walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs!

Participants can climb at their own pace, as an individual or team.  There is a special division for law enforcement and firefighters.

"If you've resolved to make fitness a bigger part of your life in the New Year, I recommend you take the first step today by signing up for the Fight for Air Climb," said Sandquist. "Simply by taking the stairs every day, studies show that it is a very efficient way of burning maximum calories, and is great for those of us with limited time to exercise."

Early bird registration, available until January 31 is $15; after that date it is $25.  A minimum $100 fundraising is required.  Participants can register at www.FightForAirClimb.org.

About the American Lung Association:

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.LungIA.org

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