'Climb Worcester' Event Benefits American Lung Association

Charlie Herbert scrawled a memorial note to his father, Dan, and stuck it on the message board March 8, 2009, at the Sovereign Bank Glass Tower in Worcester, Mass. He then climbed 48 flights of steps in the second annual Climb Worcester event to benefit the American Lung Association. Charlie lost his father to cancer in 2004 and wanted to do something vigorous to fight the cause of ending cancer.

Charlie was among 57 others who scaled the risers that day, together raising more than $15,000 toward the American Lung Association's efforts to find a cure.

Also among the climbers was a group of firefighters from Worcester and surrounding towns who tackled the steepness with their equipment on their back. The extra fifty pounds they toted up the steps was a metaphor for the harder work needed to eradicate the disease.

The anaerobic endeavor in the enclosed dry air setting caused several of the participants to cough intermittently for hours after reaching the top. The struggles the climbers had with breathing post-event was a nod to what lung-cancer patients deal with.

The American Lung Association holds Stair Climb events in more than 25 states across the country. Per the organization, the fund raising treks typically take place in well-known skyscrapers and can be used as a vehicle for people to work toward fitness goals and meet others while supporting someone with lung disease or memorializing someone who has passed from the condition.

According the American Lung Association, lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Per the organization's statistics, over 35 million Americans are currently battling chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and asthma.

The American Lung Association has been operating for more than 100 years to improve lung health. Funds raised from the Worcester Stair Climb will support the Lung Association's education, advocacy and research efforts.

Charlie placed second in his 40-49 year-old age group, plugging up the escalation in three minutes, thirty-three seconds. Although Dan wasn't much for exercise and would have certainly opted for the elevator, his dad would have been the first to open his wallet, anonymously, to support charity, Charlie said.

Anyone interested in joining the fight to keep other's loved ones alive can send a donation to the American Lung Association National Headquarters, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004. To become a future climber or for more information about the American Lung Association, visit the organization's web site at www.lungusa.org.

Sources: The American Lung Association, Myself, article author, as a witness to the event and Charlie Herbert.