SPRINGFIELD — Dozens of first responders from Central Illinois will climb 532 steps and 32 floors in 70 pounds of full fire and tactical gear on Sunday morning, February 21st as part of the American Lung Association in Illinois’ 2016 Fight for Air Climb presented by CEFCU at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre.

Darric Miller, Deputy Sherriff at the Sangamon County Tactical Response Unit in Springfield, says people suffering from lung cancer or other lung disease live with discomfort every day.

Miller says as a team, they make themselves uncomfortable as they climb stairs while wearing full tactical gear for a fraction of the time sufferers are uncomfortable. He comments that they are the true heroes and their team’s inspiration.

His climb team and other first responders will join him in climbing in honor or memory of a fallen firefighter, loved one or lung disease survivor.

Thousands of other Illinoisans from across the state and the mid-west will participate in Central Illinois’ biggest stair climb. Individuals, friends and families of all fitness levels will stair climb 32 floors.

Participating in the Fight for Air Climb empowers individuals to invest in their own personal health and fitness.

They’re not just climbing stairs, they’re fighting for an end to lung disease. Through fundraising, climbers help improve the lives of patients across the country and locally in Illinois. Almost ninety cents of every dollar raised goes directly to education, research and advocacy.