It’s personal! Minnesota woman ready for 6th Fight For Air Climb

The Twin Cities Fight For Air Climb soars to new heights this year as it heads back into the building for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of participants will be on hand to climb Capella tower on Saturday February 24 including Rachel Kothe of Hastings.

This will be the sixth year Kothe has participated in the climb which she does in honor of her grandmas; one who struggled with COPD and emphysema and the other with pulmonary hypertension.

"There are so many out there and effect people in all different ways," said Kothe. "I do this to help do my part in bringing awareness and raising money to continue research and support lung health."

Kothe will be climbing with friends and family on Team Nancy and hopes to raise $2,000. She said she looks forward to the Climb’s atmosphere describing it as emotional and inspiring.

Climbers will make their way up Capella Tower’s 53 flights to raise awareness of lung disease. They’ll also raise funds for research and lung health programs for the more than 601,000 Minnesotans living with lung disease.

The first wave of climbers at the Fight For Air Climb Twin Cities will step-off at 8 a.m. Kothe has been training at her gym for the climb where she does at least 1,000 steps on the stair master. She believes her grandmas will be watching over her at this year’s event and is looking forward to her family cheering her on.

“I highly recommend to anyone and everyone to try at least 1 climb at some point in your life,” said Kothe. “It is such a rewarding feeling; everyone is so supportive and inspiring and is overall just a great day to be a part of." 

Rachel Kothe is available for interviews about the Climb, and you can contact Janye Killelea for requests at [email protected] or by phone at 312-940-7624. 

Get involved and help the mission of American Lung Association. You can learn more about the Fight For Air Climb in the Twin Cities at  FightForAirClimb.org/TwinCities.