Hundreds Climb Downtown St. Louis Building for Lung Health

Annual Fight For Air Climb raises over $260,000 for the American Lung Association

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:04am

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The annual Fight For Air Climb event in downtown St. Louis drew hundreds of participants who ascended 42 flights of stairs in the Metropolitan Square Building to raise money and awareness for lung health research, asthma programs, and other initiatives by the American Lung Association. The event has become a personal cause for many, including Marcy Morris, who climbs in memory of her father who passed away from lung cancer.

Why it matters

The Fight For Air Climb is a major annual fundraiser for the American Lung Association, which uses the proceeds to fund critical programs and research related to lung health issues like lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases that impact many Americans. The event brings the community together around an important cause while promoting physical activity and wellness.

The details

Participants in the Fight For Air Climb made their way up 42 flights of stairs in the Metropolitan Square Building in downtown St. Louis. So far, the event has raised over $260,000 for the American Lung Association, which will go towards local lung health initiatives such as research at Washington University and asthma awareness programs. Many climbers, like Marcy Morris, participate in memory of loved ones who have suffered from lung disease.

  • The Fight For Air Climb took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The event has been an annual tradition for the past 8 years.

The players

Jamale Williams

A participant in the Fight For Air Climb who described the event as fun and a good way to stay healthy.

Marcy Morris

A participant who climbs in memory of her father, Gary, who passed away from lung cancer in 2017. Marcy has participated in the event for the past 8 years, with her family members coming to cheer her on.

Gary Morris

Marcy's father, who passed away from lung cancer in 2017. Marcy now dedicates her annual climb to his memory.

Sophie Zavaglia

A volunteer for the American Lung Association who described the organization's work as an amazing cause close to her heart.

American Lung Association

The non-profit organization that hosts the annual Fight For Air Climb event to raise funds for lung health research, asthma awareness, and other initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good thing, I think everybody should be out here doing it, it's fun, it keeps you healthy.”

— Jamale Williams, Participant

“Well, I think about my dad, and what he went through and push through the pain, it takes a lot.”

— Marcy Morris, Participant

“It means a lot, I've done it for 8 years, my mom, my brother, my cousin are here to cheer me on, we do it as a family.”

— Marcy Morris, Participant

“It's a very dear cause to my heart, and this organization does just an amazing, amazing work to maybe hopefully stop that lung disease, we'll see.”

— Sophie Zavaglia, Volunteer

What’s next

The American Lung Association plans to continue hosting the annual Fight For Air Climb in downtown St. Louis to raise funds and awareness for lung health initiatives.

The takeaway

The Fight For Air Climb has become an important community event that brings people together to support a meaningful cause. The event's growth and the personal stories of participants like Marcy Morris demonstrate the deep impact lung disease has on families and the power of collective action to drive positive change.