Portland, Oregon (January 23, 2018) Living a healthier lifestyle is the classic New Year’s resolution. Why not start the New Year with a total body workout by climbing 40, 80 120, 160 or 200 floors? On February 11, 2018, the American Lung Association in Oregon will hold its 6th annual Fight For Air Climb in downtown Portland up the staircases of the US Bancorp Tower. The Fight For Air Climb is a stair climb event, or, as some call it, a vertical foot race. This is a timed event that can be done by anyone from family members to elite athletes.
David Garcia, one of the country’s most prominent tower racers, is known for losing 160 pounds and keeping it off over the past eight years, all with the help of his friend and mentor Richard Simmons. To keep the weight off, David has made fitness a priority in his life, and is inspiring others to do the same through his fitness blog Keep it Up, David! His story has appeared in broadcast and print – including outlets such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Doctors, The Jeff Probst Show, Home and Family, the Missing Richard Simmons podcast, Everyday Health, RichardSimmons.com and Fat-Burning Man.
David says, "I've competed in stair races across the country, but the Portland Fight For Air Climb is one of my favorite events. It's a fun, supportive environment in one of Portland's most iconic skyscrapers, and the American Lung Association team does a great job organizing and executing it.”
Bodie Shaw of the Bureau of Indian Affairs is a 2016, 2017 and 2018 participant. Shaw is a wildland firefighter, and last year, he was the first ever wildland firefighter to complete all 200 floors in uniform while carrying a 30-pound pack. Since the beginning of September, his team of 15, the “Wildland Firefighters”, have trained at various gyms and a federal building in Northeast Portland with 10 stories.
Shaw recently joined the American Lung Association in Oregon’s Leadership Board. As a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Shaw has seen lung disease in his community. “I felt a calling to be on the Leadership Board to help as much as I can in my community,” said Shaw. “Lung disease is extremely common among Native Americans and Native Alaskans.”
Fight For Air Climb participants can join in one of six categories:
Climber: Anyone who wants to have fun and enjoy their climb.
Elite Climber: Competitive stair climbers or competitive athletes.
Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement or Other First responders: Participating in full gear.
Virtual Climber: Those who want to raise awareness and funds but cannot attend.
After the climb is completed, climbers and friends can enjoy an amazing brunch with incredible views and dancing at the Portland City Grill with Heartbeat Silent Sound Systems.
More details about the climb can be found at: ClimbPortland.org.
For media interested in speaking with David Garcia, Bodie Shaw, or for further event information, contact Brian Mayo at (503) 718-6151 or [email protected].
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About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
