Each year, the American Lung Association hosts the Fight for Air Climb, a 796-step climb up the stairs of Twipes’ office building at Seneca One Tower in Buffalo, N.Y., in solidarity with those who have experienced or have died from lung cancer.
Twipes are proud and honored to be support the American Lung Association this year, with a donation of 100 packs to the 100 VIP climbers, who have raised the most funds for the charity climb.
Climbers shared their experiences and reasons for participating with the ALA.
“Just like all the Climbs before, I climb in memory of my mom, Caroline, who took her last breath on Oct. 29, 2012,” climber Rachel Maloney Joyner said. “For years she struggled with COPD and emphysema, tethered to an oxygen tank wondering how much air was left. Always carrying extra tanks with her ‘just in case.’“
She said this year’s climb is “especially important,” as she is also climbing for her oldest sister, Cathy, who died of lung cancer last February.
“Cathy was a quick witted, hardworking, creative force of nature with one heck of a laugh. She will be missed by her ‘flock’ of family and friends,” Maloney Joyner said. “I climb because for 10 minutes I get a glimpse into what mom probably felt like all the time. This is personal for me. I climb so no one has to witness a loved one take their last gasp of air. I climb to raise awareness, to support research, to fund smoking cessation programs. I climb because everyone deserves strong healthy lungs and clean air!“
She also encouraged everyone who is eligible to be screened for lung cancer.
“As I step up to the challenge to climb Buffalo’s tallest building, I am reminded that we can change the future of lung cancer and lung disease in Western New York by participating in the Fight for Air Climb,” she said.
Twipes CEO Alborz Bozorgi spoke on what it means to him to inspire the local community to raise money for lung cancer research.
“Twipes is happy to support this amazing cause,” he said. “The fact that they put this event together each year in our building — it’s an incredible feat for these climbers, and we just wanted to show our support.”
Twipes team member Cassidy Regan will be taking part in the Climb, and Twipes will have footage on our social media channels to raise awareness of the great work that the ALA is doing with this event.
To support the ALA and make a donation, you can scan the QR code below or you can click here.
