UnitedHealthcare races up 99 floors at annual Fight for Air Climb

Hundreds of climbers gathered at The Pru for the American Lung Association’s annual Fight for Air Climb on Sunday, April 12. This year’s climb, presented by UnitedHealthcare, marked a return to indoor climbing after 5 years of climbs at Soldier Field.

Fight for Air Climbs occur throughout the nation, bringing people of all fitness levels together to raise awareness and funds supporting people with lung diseases. The climb had a donation goal of $434,000, an amount that could be life-changing for people affected by lung disease.

“I am climbing on behalf of the American Lung Association because I am a recipient of a double lung transplant. I want to give back what I was given,” said Elizabeth Markiewicz. “It’s phenomenal to have everyone here. It’s overwhelming for me and brings joy to my heart to know that people are here giving back to something bigger than they are. It’s one breath at a time and one step at a time.”

UnitedHealthcare has long been a supporter of the Fight for Air Climbs and the American Lung Association. The health care company has been a presenting sponsor for the Chicago Climb for over a decade and additionally, the UnitedHealthcare climb team raised over $5,000 for this year’s climb, making UnitedHealthcare the third highest fundraising team, and the second-highest fundraising company participating in the climb.

“This is our 12th year being the presenting sponsor of the climb, and the 12th year I’ve climbed as well,” said Vice President of Sales for UnitedHealthcare in Illinois and Northwest Indiana, Mike Telesky. “This event aligns with our mission to help people live healthier lives, and the American Lung Association’s mission to improve lung health for everyone. We think it’s a great way to give back to the communities that we’re honored to serve.”

Each climber comes to the towers for their own reasons. Some want to support the important research being conducted by the American Lung Association, while others have more personal reasons. This could be knowing a loved one affected by lung disease, or being affected themselves.

Between both towers in Prudential Plaza, climbers raced up 2,500 steps. Each climber contributed towards funding important research to improve treatment and quality of life for those affected by lung disease, while also getting first-hand experience on just how important easy breathing can be.

“We have more than 30 stair climb events across the country and have been hosting stair climbs for 38 years. This event gives the American Lung Association an opportunity to raise awareness about lung disease here in the Chicagoland area specifically, as more than 2.5 million Chicagoans are suffering from some form of lung disease,” said Harold Wimmer, the president and CEO of the American Lung Association.

Fight for Air Climbs are taking place across the nation. To find your local climb or for other ways to support the American Lung Association, visit the association’s website.

“Our team at UnitedHealthcare has come together to support our members here locally and support a great organization for a great cause. I love seeing all of the people of Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana, and Illinois come together to climb,” said Telesky.

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare, visit uhc.com.