Climbers Brave the Heat to Raise Over $350K at Soldier Field for Lung Health

This morning, more than 700 people raised over $350,000 at the 2025 Chicago Fight For Air Climb, locally presented by UnitedHealthcare, at the iconic Soldier Field Stadium.

The annual Chicago Climb supports more than 1.4 million people living with lung disease in Illinois. Climbers of all skill levels raced up and down the first level of Soldier Field to raise critical funds for research, education, and advocacy. Organizers changed the original 1,600 step route and added portable misting fans due to dangerous heat and humidity.

This year’s climb included a Firefighter Challenge with teams of firefighters climbing in full gear despite the heat while competing to be the top fundraising team in support of lung health.

“We are very proud of our community who came out to climb Soldier Field in support of those impacted by lung disease.” said Danielle Trojanek, Executive Director, American Lung Association. “Thanks to the support of our sponsors and climbers we raised more than $350,000 to help ongoing efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease in Illinois.”

The Lung Association looks forward to next year’s Climb event and continuing its commitment to improving lung health and preventing lung disease.