Hundreds hit stairs at Soldier Field for Fight for Air Climb

CHICAGO (WGN) — Rhythmic steps were heard all around Soldier Field Sunday as hundreds hit the stadium stairs for a good cause—raising money for the American Lung Association.

For the fifth year in a row, the Fight for Air Climb took to the home field of the Chicago Bears.

Some walked, some ran, but all took steps to offer a new lease on life for people suffering from lung disease, including Elizabeth Markewicz, a participant personally affected by lung disease.

“I just said, next year [at] this time, I’m going to be here with you,” Markewicz said. “And I am.”

Markiewicz was one of more than 700 people who endured the heat and climbed thousands of steps at Soldier Field Sunday, all the while being less than a year removed from receiving a double-lung transplant.

“It’s overwhelming,” Markewicz said. “There’s just so much joy in my heart that I’m here today.”

Now, with healthy lungs in her body and a second chance at life, Markewicz expressed gratitude for her new lease on life.

“The donor family, I pray for them every day,” Markewicz said. “Without them, I couldn’t be here.”

The fight continues on

Each cent raised on Sunday at the Fight for Air Climb can make a difference in the lives of people with illnesses like Asthma, COPD and lung cancer, American Heart Association national board member Claude Robinson told WGN TV News.

“Every bit of what you do goes into prevention and at the same time, the American Lung Association working across the country, and then research across the globe to make clean air a reality,” Robinson said.

Those interested in donating or finding out more about the Fight for Air Climb can visit their website by clicking here.