While many of us are sleeping in this Saturday, hundreds of local climbers are taking on 30 floors of stairs at the 411 East Wisconsin Center for the American Lung Association’s “Fight for Air Climb,” including one woman who is climbing in memory of her grandmother.
MILWAUKEE — This Saturday, the quiet stairwells of the 411 East Wisconsin Center will transform into a vertical marathon as hundreds of participants lace up for the American Lung Association’s annual Fight for Air Climb.
For many, it is a test of physical endurance. For co-owner of Ash and Olive Tattoo in West Allis, Ashley Neuman, it is deeply personal.
“So a couple years ago my grandmother passed away and her and I were super, super close and she actually passed away of COPD,” says Neuman. “I just immediately was like, I yes, I need to do that if there’s any way that I can… have part in raising money for research… then I want in.”
Neuman is just one of many “hero” climbers stepping up to help the American Lung Association reach its ambitious $453,500 fundraising goal this year. The funds support a massive mission; to date, the organization has directed more than $221 million into groundbreaking lung health research to combat diseases like lung cancer and COPD.
The Challenge: 30 Floors, One Step at a Time
While the average climber reaches the top of the 30-floor tower in about 10.5 minutes, the event offers several ways to participate based on your fitness goals:
- The Power Hour: For those looking for maximum intensity, “Power Hour” climbers start early in the morning and can climb the 30 floors as many times as they can within a single hour. (Note: Firefighter gear is not permitted during this heat).
- The Climb Twice Pass: Not ready for an hour but want more than one trip? A $20 “Climb Twice Pass” can be added during registration, allowing you to finish your team heat and then head back down for a second round.
- The General Climb: The traditional route for individuals and teams ages 6 and up.
Neuman, who is returning for another go, says her strategy has evolved since her first attempt.
“The first year I did it was I was skipping stairs and just trying to go fast and didn’t really pace myself,” she admits. “This year… I’ll definitely probably pace myself and just go one step at a time.”
Fuel for the Fight
When the legs begin to ache and the lungs begin to burn, Neuman says she finds the strength to keep moving by remembering the struggle her grandmother faced every day.
“I think about how she struggled for the last couple of years just to breathe sitting,” Neuman says. “If my grandma could do what she did for years and fight just to do something that is basic for everybody else… I can do it for another flight.”
Beyond the personal motivation, the atmosphere in the stairwell provides its own kind of oxygen. Between the water stations and the cheers from fellow participants, the event is defined by a unique sense of community.
“It’s one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever done,” Neuman says. “There’s people of all ages and body types and backgrounds… it just feels good when you’re done.”
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Where: 411 E. Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee
- Fundraising Goal: $453,500
- Registration: Visit ClimbMilwaukee.org for more information on registration and the “Climb Twice” pass.
