Firefighters Double their Efforts at American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb

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21 firefighter teams and individuals from eight counties are currently registered to engage in some friendly competition at the third annual American Lung Association in WI (ALA.W) Fight for Air Climb. This year’s teams and/or members are from, Beaver Dam, Burlington, Deerfield, Eagle, Fitchburg, Fox Lake, Jackson, Lake Country, Lisbon, Mequon, Milwaukee, Middleton, Newburg, Rochester, Somers, Stoughton, Tichigan, Waukesha, and West Allis.

West Allis Fire Department will again be fielding two teams. Team 1 includes Mason Pooler, Steve Kaltenbrun, Steven Peterson, Steven Prusinski and Jesse Schwark. Team 2 members are Curt Maly, Dan Desnoo, Jon Hauboldt, and Greg Lenske.

The firefighters will be racing up 94 flights of stairs loaded down with up to 70 extra pounds of gear. This year they will be competing against each other in three categories: fastest team score, fastest individual score, and highest fundraising team. The West Allis team has taken home the traveling trophy for fastest team score for the past two years.

Sue Swan, Executive Director of the ALA.W said, “Firefighters experience every day what it means to fight to breathe. They are such an important part of this event, and of our mission.”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is the event’s Presenting Sponsor.

“The Firefighter Challenge is an incredibly inspiring part of the Fight for Air Climb,” said Larry Schreiber, president of Anthem. “By climbing to the top of the building in full equipment they demonstrate not only their commitment to keeping us from harm, often at great personal risk, but also to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. It is something truly special to see.”

The Fight for Air Climb takes place on Saturday, March 19, 7am - noon at the US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee. Registrations are still being taken at www.fightforairclimb.org.

Registration fee is $25; a $100 fundraising minimum is required participate, and climbers must be age 13 or over.

If you would like to support one or more of these teams, choose a link:

West Allis FD Team 1 -- http://action.lungusa.org/site/TR/ClimbForCleanAir/ALAUM_Upper_Midwest?team_id=23213&pg=team&fr_id=2710

West Allis FD Team 2 -- http://action.lungusa.org/site/TR/ClimbForCleanAir/ALAUM_Upper_Midwest?team_id=25055&pg=team&fr_id=2710

About the American Lung Association:

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin ("BCBSWi") underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation ("Compcare") underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

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