Why We Climb

I climb because I, myself, have sarcoidosis of the lungs. Sarcoidosis is a rare disease caused by inflammation. It usually occurs in the lungs and lymph nodes, but it can occur in almost any organ. Sarcoidosis in the lungs is called pulmonary sarcoidosis. It causes small lumps of inflammatory cells in the lungs.

With many in my family and friends who have passed from lung related diseases, every fundraiser and study to further better lung health is always important to me.

A group of firefighters, myself included, from Scranton volunteer fire will be climbing these steps in full gear in support for lung studies.

I've been climbing the Fight For Air Climb alongside my mom since 2016! We always climbed with a purpose, but in 2022, she was diagnosed with lung cancer; so it hit close to home! In 2023, she was actively going through chemo and did not let that stop her climbing at Highmark Stadium! She also climbed the steps at Seneca One Tower in 2024!

I climb for my mom Mary Jo Chmura — a lung cancer fighter! And my mother-in-law Roseann Frost — a COPD warrior!

Help us step toward a future free of lung disease!

I'm climbing this year in honor and memory of my Dad. My dad bravely fought fires for 22 years and retired as a Captain from the City of Cortland Fire Department.

I climb for my hero who courageously fought lung cancer as hard as he fought any fire.