MILWAUKEE – As a child, Bob Oakleaf watched his grandmother slowly pass from lung cancer. In time, he additionally lost both parents to lung disease. His family’s devastating history with lung disease is why he’s joining the American Lung Association’s outdoor Fight For Air Climb on May 22 at American Family Field.
“Lung disease runs in my family,” Oakleaf said. “I lost my mother to lung cancer and my father to chronic obstructive pulmonary fibrosis [COPD].”
Oakleaf’s involvement with the Lung Association started about a decade ago. Since then, he’s participated in the Fight For Air Climb annually.
“I continue to support the Lung Association in its efforts to end lung disease,” he said. “It would be great to live in a world without lung cancer or COPD so no family member or friend would have to experience that type of loss.”
Drawn to the event’s positive energy, Oakleaf quickly became one of the top fundraisers every year.
“Last year I personally raised $8,686 and my team raised $10,000,” he said. “My fundraising goals are a bit more modest this year with the pandemic still ongoing. I’m targeting $5,500 for myself and $6,500 total for my team.”
Oakleaf is looking forward to getting outside and experiencing the positive energy of hundreds of people climbing for the same cause.
The American Lung Association invites individuals, families, groups of friends, corporate teams and first responders to the 2021 Fight For Air Climb at American Family Field on May 22. The organization is also offering a “Climb Your Way” option for those who can’t make it to the physical event.
Masks will be required at the event and social distancing will be practiced. The safety of participants, staff and volunteers is always our number one priority, so we are continually monitoring local conditions that might affect the Climb. Everyone is encouraged to check our Climb website for the most up-to-date information leading up to the event.
Money raised at the Fight For Air Climb will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics.
Registration for the Fight For Air Climb is $35 and includes a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Milwaukee.
