Local Firefighter Nationally Honored by American Lung Association

Today, the American Lung Association launched its 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, which honors first responders from across the United States, including Chris Ballington with the Lexington County Fire Service.

Every year, thousands of firefighters race up hundreds of stairs in full firefighter gear weighing over 40 pounds during American Lung Association Fight For Air Climbs in more than 40 cities nationwide. Ballington of Chapin, South Carolina was chosen as one of the American Lung Association’s top Fight For Air Climb firefighters nationwide. Ballington is a 34-year veteran of the fire service.

“Congrats to Ballington for being honored in the 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar! Ballington is not only out there saving lives every day, but also training and fundraising for events like the Fight For Air Climb in their free time,” said Jed Manfull, Chair of the 2023 Fight for Air Climb Charlotte. “We would like to invite other firefighters and first responders in North Carolina to join our Fight For Air Climb in Charlotte on March 25th to help support our vision of a world free of lung disease.”

“This will be my 14th year participating in the Fight for Air Climb for the American Lung Association,” shares Ballington. “This is something close to my heart, as I lost one uncle to lung cancer and another uncle who battled with COPD and emphysema for many years. I have been very fortunate to have such great support from, not only the Chapin community, but my family and friends as well. I’ve raised over $36,000 for the Lung Association and was honored when I received a recognition plaque when I reached the 10-year mark. This is not only a very worthwhile event, but the Lung Association’s team and volunteers make it such a fun event year after year,” said Ballington.

The mission of the American Lung Association hits close to home with firefighters. Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders. Firefighters are at a higher risk to develop chronic issues, including lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma, and allergies and in more extreme cases, may be diagnosed with lung or bronchial cancer.

The 2023 calendar also includes fire safety tips, statistics on how fires affect our lung health and tips for your Fight For Air Climb. All proceeds will support the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

To purchase the Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, go to Lung.org/calendar. To get involved in the North Carolina Fight For Air Climb scheduled for March 25th at Truist Field, Home of the Charlotte Knights, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Charlotte.

Media Resources:

• Fight For Air Climb B-Roll is available here: Fight For Air Climb Media B-Roll 2021002.mp4 - Google Drive
• American Lung Association logos are available here: Media | American Lung Association

###

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org