Local retiree credits lifesaving training to Fight For Air Climb

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Jack Avery shares his story of living with COPD to encourage community members to participate in Fight For Air Climb

Longtime resident of Jacksonville, Jack Avery is determined to climb his way up to the finish line at the Fight For Air Climb Jacksonville taking place on Saturday, March 18 at the Bank of America Tower.

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Avery shares with a chuckle, “I’m not the spry spring chicken I used to be. I’m 80. So, if I can make it to the top, so you can you!” The Fight For Air Climb is an annual event to support the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Participants of all ages, including local firefighters in full gear, will climb 34 flights, or 670 stairs of the Bank of America Tower.

“I’m excited to help celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Fight For Air Climb this year as I’ve been participating since its inception,” shares Avery. “After I was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in 2010, there was no way I was going to stop participating. The Climb saved my life! I’m convinced that my training for the Climb is what has improved my lung capacity and helped me to lose weight too. Two years after I was diagnosed with COPD, my doctor shared that my lung capacity improved from 60% to 80%—not bad for an old guy, right?”

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“Jack’s light-heartedness, perseverance and energy, makes him someone that everyone gravitates towards at practice climbs,” shares Cindy Springer, senior manager of development for the American Lung Association. “He is such a gem. Jack is living proof that staying active at every age can help improve your lung health. We are so appreciative of Jack as he motivates others to climb and participate on his team, which has raised more than $107,000 since 2011.”

“Climbing in the Fight For Air Climb has had a tremendous impact on me,” shares Avery. “Climbing is such a great workout for any age and the event is for such an important relatable cause, as we all have lungs. I plan to participate as I long as I can for those that can’t.”

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Here in Florida, there are more than 2.5 million people living with lung disease, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and others.

Registration for the Fight For Air Climb is $35 and includes a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information, and to register, visit ClimbJax.org.

Funds from the Fight For Air Climb Jacksonville help the American Lung Association to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education and advocacy in Jacksonville and lifesaving research.

About the American Lung Association:

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org

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