2026 Fight For Air Climb Chicago Raises Over $250,000 for Lung Association

Hundreds of participants climbed 99 floors and 2,500 steps at Prudential Plaza to support lung health research and programs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A glowing neon outline of a person climbing stairs, the stairs and figure defined by vibrant, electric lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the energy and determination of the Fight For Air Climb event.Hundreds of participants climbed over 2,500 steps to raise funds for the American Lung Association's vital programs and research.Chicago Today

The 2026 Fight For Air Climb Chicago event saw hundreds of participants scale the 99 floors and nearly 2,500 steps of the Prudential Plaza towers on Sunday. The annual fundraiser for the American Lung Association raised over $250,000 to support the organization's programs and research.

Why it matters

The Fight For Air Climb events held across the country are a major source of funding for the American Lung Association, which uses the money to promote lung health education, advocacy, and medical research. The Chicago climb is one of the largest in the nation, drawing participants from across the Midwest.

The details

Climbers took on the challenge of scaling both towers of the Prudential Plaza, completing a total of 99 floors and nearly 2,500 steps. One participant, Lynette Hutcherson, has traveled to different climb events around the country, including in California, Texas, Colorado, and now Illinois, driven by a personal connection to the cause.

  • The 2026 Fight For Air Climb Chicago took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Lynette Hutcherson

A participant who has traveled to different Fight For Air Climb events across the country.

Darren Davidson Sr.

A former participant who Lynette Hutcherson climbs in honor of.

American Lung Association

The non-profit organization that hosts the Fight For Air Climb events to raise funds for lung health programs and research.

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What they’re saying

“I just enjoy the thrill of the climb. It's a good cause. I'm doing it because of Darren Davidson Sr., umm, he's the one where we used to do it together. He's no longer here, but I do it in his honor.”

— Lynette Hutcherson, Participant

The takeaway

The Fight For Air Climb events held across the country are a vital source of funding for the American Lung Association, allowing the organization to continue its important work in promoting lung health, advocating for clean air policies, and supporting medical research to improve respiratory care.