This is my second year participating in the American Lung Association-Climb for Clean Air. Last year I climbed Mt Hood and Mt St Helens to encourage people to quit smoking and invest in their physical and mental health. This year, I’ll be attempting to summit Mt Hood again. You may remember that I wasn’t able to reach the true summit last year because of some physical issues I experienced at 9500 ft. Since then, I've been working with a friend and trainer, Craig Jones, who has helped me advance my training well beyond what I thought was possible for me!

My reasons for climbing are very personal this year. In October of 2022, I lost one of my closest friends in a freak accident. Laurel was one of the most sincere, giving, selfless and thoughtful people I've ever known. Despite what was going on in her life, she made a point to offer help to her friends. I feel her presence and support everyday. I am dedicating all of the hours I spend in the gym, on training hikes and summit attempts to the memory of my dear friend!

Laurel continues to give despite her passing. A small portion of her trachea and lung tissue was recovered and accepted by a group of researchers who are conducting ground-breaking studies on asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer, airway injuries, lung pathology and more. The goal of their research is to better understand how humans fight off infection. These studies are leading to important new findings and publications.

Her left kidney was gifted to a man in his sixties. People struggling with kidney disease have damaged kidneys that cannot filter blood the way they should. These recipients often live with a complex medication regime, dietary restrictions as well as a fear of their disease worsening. Prior to transplant, many patients face a grueling dialysis schedule or experience the fear of having to start dialysis.

Laurel's liver was accepted for research for the Knight Cancer Institute. Organs donated to this Institute give scientists the opportunity to study organ control samples against diseased tissues. These are the studies that play an integral part in the development of drugs and therapies for the treatments of cancer.

Through ground-breaking research, advocacy and critical education, the money we raise will provide lifesaving treatments and dramatically improve the quality of life for more than 36 million Americans diagnosed with lung disease.

Join me and Climb for Clean Air and be part of making a difference in the lives of lung disease patients and their caregivers. Every donation takes us one step closer to a world free of lung disease. The need is urgent, so please join me today and help us save more lives.
Any contribution amount would be greatly appreciated, but a donation of $50.00 or more would go a long way to helping me reach my goal. My deadline for contributions is May 1, 2022.

Contributions can be made by check, payable to the American Lung Association. Send the check to:
Bob Fridley
2065 SE Courtney Ave
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Contributions are fully tax-deductible, as the ALA is a 501.c(3) organization.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. I am very humbled by your support to help me reach my goal. Looking forward to the Summit!

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Bob