Photo: Suzanne Sausville / WBZ News Radio
BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - Hundreds of people climbed the steps of Fenway Park Saturday to raise money in the fight against lung disease.
The annual Fight For Air Climb event raises money for the American Lung Association. This year they expect to raise more than $300,000.
About 800 people, including 300 Firefighters from across New England, tackled the 1,012 steps in full gear.
Abby Woltman, with the American Lung Association said participants will get an idea of what it's like every day for those suffering from lung disease.
"If you struggle with any lung disease, it could be asthma, COPD, even long-term Covid-19 at this point, lung cancer, really just any impact on your lungs, it's hard to take a step and it's hard to take a breath." Woltman tells WBZ's Suzanne Sausville.
In March of 2020, the American Lung Association launched a $25 million initiative to end Covid-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics.
This is just the second year the event has been held at Fenway Park.
David Broderick climbed for his mom who died of lung cancer five years ago.
"Specifically for her, but also for the next person in line that's going to be fighting a lung disease or lung cancer that would have more medical treatment and better science to help them fight that fight." Broderick said.
Over the last 12 years, participants have raised more than $65 million to support the mission of the American Lung Association.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports
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