The American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb
Posted on March 16, 2011
HNE Health Programs Educator, recently interviewed Bianca Walker, American Lung Association (ALA) Development Manager, and two Climb participants from Catuogno Court Reporting, Diane Musa and Sandy Hawke.
Bianca Walker from the ALA, Diane Musa and Sandy Hawke from Catuogno Court Reporting
Connie: Can you tell us about the history of the Fight for Air Climb? If someone is unable to participate physically in the Climb, how can they help otherwise?
Bianca: It’s our 3rd annual Fight for Air Climb to raise funds for various lung diseases. Money raised is used to support programs locally in the Community. If you can’t do the climb, you can help by volunteering. We also have a virtual climber option.
Connie: Diane, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Diane: I have COPD, emphysema and I smoked for 17 years. Trust me, if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have smoked. I quit cold turkey the day I went into the hospital. I did it for my grandson so I could see him more often.
Connie: How did your team from Catuogno Court Reporting help you?
Diane: When I got sick, they came to help me. They got the ambulance in there to get me out of work. If I say, “I don’t think I’m gonna go to the doctors today”, she [Sandy] will say “Oh, yes you are.”
Connie: I hear that the Catuogno Court Reporting Team climbs in your honor, is that true.
Diane: A lot of people have quit smoking because I’ve scared them. They’re climbing for me because I can’t do it. I virtually climb, volunteer, and do t-shirts.
Connie: What are the special challenges for you with a lung condition?
Diane: A lot of challenges. Stairs are a big one – even in my apartment. No matter how much you’re trying to breathe normally, you can’t. A lot of things you did before that you took for granted, you can’t do anymore.
Connie: I’ve heard it described as trying to breathe through a straw. Is that true?
Diane: A closed straw. It’s hard to describe, everything here [pointing to chest] is kind of pushed together. It’s like when you’re in the shower and you get water down your throat and you can’t catch your breath because you’re choking.
Connie: Sandy, can you tell me why you decided to participate in the Fight for Air Climb?
Sandy: For Diane, and for my mom who has COPD and emphysema. I use to work at the American Lung Association, so I know what they do for everyone in the programs and how it helps people. I thought it would be a good thing for our company to do.
Connie: What is it like for you to participate in the climb knowing that others with lung conditions are directly benefiting from your assistance?
Bianca: It was an eye-opener for me. I started off too fast by the time I got half way I was gasping for air. I finally made it to the top. I got a sense for what it must be like for someone who is gasping for air. It made me feel even more passionate about what I’m doing and the reasons why
Diane: For years, you’ve heard about but never really thought about it. I mean when somebody dies you donate to the American Lung Association. Until you’ve gone through the breathing, you don’t understand. I think of everybody doing it for my father. I don’t do it for myself; I do it for my Dad.
Sandy: I enjoy being able to help people. I hate that people have to go through this.
For more information about the Fight For Air Climb, go to www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/ma/springfield-climb/ or, contact Bianca Walker at 413.505.5064 or bwalker@lungne.org
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