20th Annual Fight For Air Climb Tampa Raises Over $200,000 for Lung Health

This morning, nearly 1,000 community members from across Tampa Bay, including around 150 firefighters and first responders, took part in the American Lung Association’s 20th annual Fight For Air Climb Tampa. The event raised more than $200,000, and counting, to support the Lung Association’s lifesaving research, programming and advocacy for the more than 3.2 million people in Florida living with lung disease. 

“We are grateful to everyone, both longtime and new climbers, who came out today to support loved ones, friends and neighbors who are impacted by lung disease,” said Andrea Guptill, Chair of the Fight For Air Climb Tampa and National Sales Director, Clinical at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Thanks to the dedication our participants, firefighters and first responders, volunteers and sponsors, our 20th anniversary event raised over $200,000 to save lives—with more funds still coming in. Every step we’ve taken today will help us get closer to a future free of lung cancer and lung disease.”

“I’d like to personally thank the Tampa Bay community for your contributions to our shared mission of healthy lungs and clean air for all,” said Eddie Fisher, chair of the Lung Association’s Southeast Regional Board. “Your steadfast support over the past 20 years has fueled advancements in lung health, including early detection initiatives, research into new treatments and cures and programs to help people live healthier lives. We can’t do this without you.”

During the event, the Lung Association recognized two participants who have made outstanding contributions to furthering the mission.

The annual Gail Porter Memorial Award, presented in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, was awarded to Jeff Ottman. This annual award is given to the top fundraiser in memory of Gail Porter, who helped kickstart Moffitt’s Legacy Tissue Donation program to better understand how tumors change after therapy and, ultimately, develop a cure. This is Ottman’s 15th year participating in the Tampa Climb, and he participates in memory of his father, who passed from pneumonia during his battle with multiple myeloma.

The first-ever Above and Beyond Award, honoring the top fundraising veteran or service member, was awarded to Joseph Mannino. Mannino climbed in honor of his father, Vito, who passed from lung cancer. The Above and Beyond Award was presented in partnership with 4D Medical, a veteran-led company.

Funds raised from the Fight For Air Climb Tampa support the mission of the Lung Association and its efforts to defeat lung cancer, champion clean air, improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families and create a tobacco-free future.  

Guptill added: “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back on the stairs next year!”

Thank you to our local sponsors, including Raymond James, 4DMedical and Moffitt Cancer Center. Thank you to our National Corporate Team Partner, Kindred Hospitals.

The Lung Association has continued admiration for all our local firefighters and emergency responders and is thankful for their continued support of the Fight For Air Climb.

For more information about the event and to support the Lung Association’s mission to save lives, visit ClimbTampa.org.