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Community Corner

American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb in Stamford Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

The event, which turned out especially eventful, raised $45,00 to support lung health.

This past weekend, the American Lung Association of the Northeast celebrated its fifth anniversary of the Fight for Air Climb at Trump Parc in downtown Stamford. About 200 climbers, including 80 firefighters, tackled the 588 stairs of Trump Parc all to raise money in the fight against lung disease. The event has brought in more than $45,000 to date and climbers have until November 22 to reach their fundraising goals. The day was filled with excitement from start to finish, and included a marriage proposal and one of the youngest stairclimbers in the nation.

“The American Lung Association celebrated another successful year in Stamford with our Fight for Air Climb,” said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “The day is always filled with tons of energy and excitement as climbers ascend the stairs and this year was no exception. Most importantly, through the generosity of climbers and sponsors we were able to raise more than $45,000 to support lung health right here in Connecticut.”

Jimmy Romaniello, 28, of Stamford, climbed as part of the team from Stamford Fire Department. Romaniello enlisted the help of Britney Martin, Development Manager with the American Lung Association of the Northeast, in making sure that his girlfriend, Chelsea Caputo, 25 of Stamford, was at the top when he crossed the finish line, where he proposed and she accepted.

Caputo, kindergarten teacher at Stamford’s K.T. Murphy Elementary school, could not believe that her fiancé had orchestrated such an event.  "Jimmy is always full of surprises,” she said, “and this was certainly the biggest one of all. After being a volunteer and climber for a number of years, the climb has become very important to me and allowed everyone - the Stamford fire department, friends and family teams, and others - to be present on our special day.“

Two-year-old Mike Nguyen Jr., of Stamford, was another integral part of the excitement on event day. He climbed all 588 stairs alongside his father, Mike Nguyen, 34. Mike Sr., a Stamford police officer and owner of Iron Reserve CrossFit of Stamford, has been involved with the event for the last two years. He says that when Martin, the event manager, approached him about getting his young son involved Mike Jr. really wanted to do it. Mike Jr. even walked away with an award for being the youngest climber, given to him at the event’s afterparty at SBC Restaurant & Brewery following the stairclimb.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how well he did,” said Mike Nguyen Sr. “I thought for sure I would have to pick him up along the way, but he did every stair all by himself. Next year I look forward to doing the climb with both my kids, including my daughter Kyla, who is 12 weeks old right now.”

All proceeds from the Fight for Air Climb will directly fund lung disease research, advocacy and education; including smoking cessation programs, COPD/asthma management, and advocacy for stronger clean air standards.

The 2013 Fight For Air Climb: Tackle Trump Parc is sponsored by Stamford Hospital, Statoil, Inc., First Niagara, Trump Parc Stamford, SBC Restaurant & Brewery, 95.9 The Fox, Hey Stamford!, Stamford Downtown, ItsRelevant.com, and TD Bank. The event is also made possible with the support of national Corporate Team partner, Kindred Healthcare.  The event is also made possible with the support of National Corporate Team Sponsor Kindred Healthcare. 

To learn more about Tackle Trump Parc in Stamford, or to make a donation that could save lives, visit ClimbofYourLife.org.

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