Suburbanites take steps — lots of them — to fight lung disease

More than 600 people took to the stairs inside the Oakbrook Terrace Tower on Sunday to raise money for the American Lung Association — and get a nice winter workout.

The annual Fight For Air Climb got under way at 8 a.m. Sunday. Participants could choose to walk the 31 flights either once, twice or three times.

American Lung Association officials said 650 people from all over the city and suburbs signed up to participate, a number the agency hopes will translate into $95,000 in fundraising proceeds. By Sunday afternoon, more than $83,000 had already been raised.

“We think we’ll exceed our goal,” said American Lung Association Communications Manager Katie Lorenz. “We’re tremendously pleased with the year’s turnout.”

The participants included people of all ages and fitness levels. Lorenz said she knew of one climber who was 8 and another who was in her 80s. Some climbers sprinted their way up, while others took it slow and steady.

“It was really tough for me this year,” said Elmhurst resident Erik Hjerpe, who did two climbs on Sunday. “Last year it felt easier for me, for some reason. But I’m glad I came out. There are so few things you can do to stay in shape during the winter.”

Among Sunday’s climbers were members of police and fire departments from all over the area. One of those, the Addison Police Department was listed as raising the most money among company teams. The department raised $4,150.

Hank Dunlap, a member of the Glen Ellyn Fire Department, said the importance of the American Lung Association’s work and the prospect of a healthy Sunday activity prompted him to get a department team together this year.

Dunlap admitted that he wasn’t sure exactly how well he’d handle the 31-flight climb.

“We’ll see,” he said with a smile. “Check with me afterward and see if I’m still moving.”

Northbrook residents Steve Schoenberg and Jay Mueller were part of a group of four families who climbed together on Sunday. They said they were participating to support 13-year-old Zack Silver, a Northbrook boy who decided to do the climb in honor of his grandfather, who’d recently passed away.

“We’re all excited about doing this,” Schoenberg said.

The American Lung Association holds two Fight For Air Climb events each year; the next will take place on March 27 at the Presidential Towers in downtown Chicago. For information, go to fightforairclimb.org.