If you cannot breathe, nothing else matters. Since 1904, the American Lung Association has been leading the fight against lung cancer, smoking, air pollution, cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD, and tuberculosis. Through education, advocacy and research, and its pioneering Christmas Seals campaign, the American Lung Association has been the guardians of everyone’s right to breathe.

Many of its affiliates across the country conduct an annual signature fundraiser. The Fight for Air Stair Climbs attract thousands of businesses and members of families who have been affected by lung diseases who collect pledges to climb stairs in skyscrapers. For the past several years, Your Part-Time Controller has participated in Philadelphia’s Fight for Air Stair Climb. On March 24, 2018, a record 28 staff members, families and friends representing Team YPTC joined over 600 other climbers from 62 other teams, raising $3,631 toward a city-wide goal of $270,000.

Proudly celebrating 25 years of the company’s history, Team YPTC showed up in full force and full throat, cheering each other on as they climbed 1,088 steps and 50 floors of the Three Logan Square tower. Hatsy  Cutshall and Tracy Bible from our Washington, D.C. office joined the Philly folks, as did several physical therapists who have been working with YPTC President & Founder Eric Fraint during his year-long recovery.

Many YPTC climbers turned out in tribute to Eric for his steadfastness, resolve and indomitable spirit in recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Eric, who began participating in the Stair Climb several years ago to help stay in shape for his hikes in the Grand Canyon, was unable to complete all 50 floors. But with a cane and a physical therapist by his side he made remarkable progress on this, his seventh climb.

Climbers were encouraged by motivating cheer leaders at water stops every 10 floors. Several teams were comprised of firefighters who climbed the stairs in full uniforms and gear. YPTC climbers never let their enthusiasm lag, proving that YPTC is always ready to “step up” to a challenge – and that if we can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, we can at least climb them.

“My last climb was 10 years ago, when I felt 20 years younger,” joked Jim Garrison, looking none the worse for wear. But perhaps everyone’s sentiments were expressed by Stacy Yulsman, whose 35-minute time (about 29 minutes behind the winner) earned her 614^th place, was optimistic and somewhat winded after coming down from the 50^th floor. “It was hard,” she puffed, “but I did it!”