Climbers for a cause step up to support the American Lung Association in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 15th annual Fight For Air Climb - Milwaukee kicked off today, Saturday, May 20 at American Family Field benefitting the American Lung Association in Wisconsin.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the presenting sponsor this year.

“Our long-standing relationship with the American Lung Association and the work we’ve done together to raise awareness for lung health highlights our commitment to building healthier Wisconsin communities,” said Julie Mitchell, M.D., medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

“Events like the Fight For Air Climb help raise funding so that our organization can offer critical services and educational information about lung disease to the community,” said Megan Cordova, executive director of the Lung Association. “Without the continued support that we receive from local presenting sponsors like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the events and services that we provide would not be possible.”

Cordova went on to say, "If you have lungs, you're impacted by our mission, you know, if you care about clean, healthy air, we are working to make things better for every person."

Cordova said they were expecting about 1,200 climbers to participate today ranging from 6-years-old to 93-years-old, as well as fire fighters in full gear.

“I’m excited to challenge myself to do the climb at the age of 61,” said Jeff Markham, a Lauderdale-LaGrange firefighter. “I’ll be climbing to support people with lung disease but also in memory of my mother-in-law Laura “Lollie” Triebold who recently passed away from lung cancer”.