Hundreds climb Atlanta skyscaper to raise funds for lung disease
ATLANTA - Hundreds participated in the annual "Fight for Air Climb" event Saturday.
Participants climbed nearly 1400 steps, 55 flights of stairs to get to the top of the Bank of America Plaza high rise in downtown Atlanta.
"I'm tired," said Melissa Royal.
The event challenges climbers to get to the top as fast as possible. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association in Georgia.
"It was awesome," said Sereda Trammell.
Participants included local first responders, families and friends, all climbing for their own specific reason.
"Sometimes when I do this, I think about all the firefighters on 9/11," said Atlanta Fire Officer Cortez Stafford.
"I climb for my mom," said Lauren Atwater. "She has a form of lung disease and she gets up and tries everyday. If she can do that, I can climb 55 flights for her."
Last year, the event raised more than $200,000.
"We are on track to beat last year's goal," said development manager Brook Cowen said. "We think we will raise more than $320,000 this year."
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