Why Fundraise for American Lung Association (ALA) Climb for Clean Air?

The American Lung Association fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and air quality. They can only continue their amazing work if the public continues to donate.
 

5 awesome reasons we are fundraising for the American Lung Association

1.  Ryan has asthma. As an adult the disease is not as severe as it was during childhood, although he does still have occasional flair ups. Currently he is using a mild inhaler before any extended physical activity. As a child he remembers the panic feeling of not being able to breathe and hopes that a cure can be found to prevent more children from feeling this fear.  The American Lung Association provides an education and support system of how to treat asthma, how to live with asthma, they advocate for people with asthma and they are searching for a cure. 
2. Not only is asthma a disease that makes it tough for people to breathe but air pollution can make it worse. Supporting the American Lung Association takes action against air pollution. We love the outdoors and we want fresh air and clear skies to be around for our kids, our kids's kids, and their kids.

3. American Lung Association is the number one reason I do not smoke. The day I saw the picture of a smoker's black lung in 4th grade health class, I vowed to never get involved with that. The picture was provided by the American Lung Association. It was in our generation that the ALA really started pushing the education in schools of lung diseases and asthma, as well as the health risks of second hand smoke. The tools they use to educate kids are effective and we are going to have healthier generations to come if we continue this education.
4. American Lung Association of Washington is a huge reason we have smoke free workplaces, bars, and restaurants in Washington State.  Through their presence on Capitol Hill and the Lung Action Network, they have been instrumental in creating laws that meet the ALA's Smokefree Air Challenge.  Stopping second hand smoke is a mission we can get behind. 
5.  Supporting the American Lung Association is supporting our own community.  60% of the money raised for this event stays in Washington state and helps people in our own backyard.
-Katie

What Are We Doing?

Welcome to our blog!  We have never had a blog before, but with our friends and family all over the country this seems like the best way to keep our supporters involved.
You may ask what supporters, why do you need supporters? 
Well....
Ryan and I are going to climb Mt. Rainier, and while training and climbing the mountain is a big adventure we have also decided to do it for a great cause by raising $7000 for American Lung Association.  My Dad is also going to be raising money and training on the east coast to join us this July.  While this sounds like a huge undertaking, we are very excited and know that with the love of our friends and family we can do this!
If you have had the chance to visit us or already live here you know about "The Mountain".  People here refer to Mt. Rainier as "The Mountain".  People gauge the day being a good day if you can see "Her".  By the way, today was a great day because it is November and you could see Her.    Mt. Rainier is an icon of the northwest and a beauty that still continues to awe us after 5 years of living here.  We consider it to be a treat everytime you come around a turn on the highway or on the hiking trail and you get to see Mt. Rainier.  The mountain is so amazing we have it on our state quarter, we have it on our license plate, there is a national park surrounding it, we even have a local beer with its namesake.
So visit this blog often for fundraising updates, the trials of training, and doing all of this as a team. 
-Katie