Go ahead and do it, right now. Pull a big breath into your lungs and hold it…now breathe out slowly. Do it again and feel how amazing it feels to take such a deep, full breath. You’re lucky…and I am as well.

Not everyone can experience that feeling. Many people struggle with each and every breath they take and live day to day wishing they could inhale so deeply…walk up a flight of stairs without having to stop in the middle to catch their breath, or even get through a 10-minute workout to try to regain their health. These are the people who suffer from some form of lung disease.

Lung disease is debilitating, torturous, and almost always leads to a decreased lifespan. It affects millions of people worldwide, including as many as 65 million people who suffer from Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD) which results in more than 3 million deaths each year. Add to this number those suffering from lung cancer and various other lung disorders and you begin to get a picture of just how pervasive this issue is. Lung disease is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide…

To get an idea of the struggle…find a thin piece of cloth or paper towel…open your mouth and try to breathe through the material. THAT is similar to the feeling many have who suffer from lung disease. Certainly, some of this illness is caused by smoking, but many suffer whose cause of lung disease is unknown. Environmental factors such as pollution contribute to the condition and the numbers continue to be staggering, and we would like to ask for your help in working to end this suffering…

Each year, the American Lung Association hosts special events across the country called the FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB. This special event consists of individuals and groups climbing the tallest buildings in their city. The results allow for participants to experience what lung disease can feel like as they improve their own health and help raise money for this worthwhile cause at the same time. 

This year, American Lung Association in New Mexico is partnering with Firefighters from across the state, to host two wonderful events. A traditional stair climb and a modified Fire Fighter Combat Challenge. The combat challenge is a demanding 5-event physical challenge that participants will complete with the fastest time, and includes a stair climb. These challenges will promote physical fitness and are signature fundraisers for the local office of the American Lung Association. 

If you want to hit the stairs with us (and we would LOVE to have you!) click here to find out how to join our team for this year’s event!

You can donate to the Fit Mix Team HERE.

To find out more about the FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB and how it helps to fight lung disease, click HERE.