Imagine climbing 71 flights of stairs – all of them, without stopping. You’d truly appreciate your healthy lungs after such an exercise.

Ask Sweet Potato Sensations Owner Ettafly Thomas, who climbs the steps of Joe Louis Arena several times weekly (see her story ). 

That is exactly what a group of Detroiters are going to do Feb. 26 when the Detroit Parks & Recreation Department joins hundreds of other people in the American Lung Association “Fight for Air” Stair Climb at the Detroit Renaissance Center.

The DPRD Climbers will be among the other volunteers, including many area firefighters and first responders, who will raise funds for the American Lung Association during the 71-flight climb up the Center’s stairways.

The Detroit Parks & Recreation Department is calling this the “Protect your Breath ~ Step Up to the Challenge,” and they are hoping to add more people to their team. With additional participants, the Parks & Recreation Department can meet its goal of raising at least $1,000 for this cause.

The need for additional funds for the American Lung Association is real and critical. Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer of men and women in the United States. The Fight for Air stair climb is the association’s top fundraiser.

The Detroit Parks & Recreation Department hopes to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by lung disease and support the American Lung Association. If you cannot join the team, you can donate to the current team members.

DPRD will raise funds for the American Lung Association through February 2017. The American Lung Association’s provides support and education for those living with asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fighting external threats to lung health such as tobacco, air pollution, and more.

The Detroit Parks & Recreation Department is the city’s park and recreation agency, and it provides diverse programming. With its activities, programs and literature, the city of Detroit and its Parks & Recreation Department wants to help the American Lung Association in their initiative to save lives, improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

For more information visit www.climbdetroit.org or call (313) 224-1100.

  American Lung Association, Detroit Parks & Recreation Department, Ettaflyy Thomas, Fight for Air, Sweet Potato Sensations