Why We Climb

We climb for our friends and loved ones who suffer from lung cancer and all lung diseases. Let's make sure everyone can benefit from healthy lungs.

Thanks to our partner, AstraZeneca Oncology, we will be featuring stories from our Climbers called “Why We Climb” on social media and on event day! Registered participants are encouraged to update their personal fundraising page to share their reason for Climbing. For instructions on how to update your personal fundraising page, visit this link!

Below are some of the reasons our Buffalo climbers will join us to climb the 32 floors at Seneca One Tower!



Climb Your Way

My Name is Paul, and this is why I make Every Step Count

“2024 will be my 9th year, in a row, climbing in the Buffalo Fight For Air Climb. I will Climb again in memory of my friend Jerry. I also Climb for me and my wife, as we both have experienced what it is like to not be able to breathe freely.

I had blood clots in my lungs in 2018, and both my wife and I had COVID-19 in March 2020. So, I Climb because I can, and because others cannot. My goal is to finish and not get hurt while raising as much money as I can. Thanks to the outstanding support of my friends, family, and network, I was the top fundraiser in 2023!”

Climb Your Way

My name is Jim, and this is why I make Every Step Count

“I Climb as a lung cancer survivor. In October 2022, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I had 25% of my left lung removed on November 30, 2022. Surgery went better than I could have imagined, and I am currently doing great. I feel extremely lucky to have caught my lung cancer early before it had spread. I felt compelled to do something to help support others who aren’t doing as well. That’s why I joined the Buffalo Fight For Air Climb. I Climb to stay health so I can enjoy many more years with my favorite little buddy, my grandson.”

Climb Your Way

My Name is Bruce, and this is why I make Every Step Count

“My brother, Art, had Cystic Fibrosis. 7 years ago, Art received 2 replacement lungs. At that time, he was the oldest survivor with CF in the country.

Art had a bucket list of things that he wanted to do if he had healthy lungs. He always played hockey; but added mounting climbing, running 5Ks, and skiing into his exercise routine.

After 4 good years with new lungs, Art passed away in 2019 from complications of diabetes and lung rejection. I wanted to honor him in some way. I’ve decided to continue climbing with the American Lung Association to raise funds for health lungs and healthy air. When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”