Ultimate Medical Academy Steps Up to Fight Lung Disease by Joining Fight for Air Climb

March 13 2017, Tampa, Fla. – To support their goal for ultimate healthy living and to help make a difference in their local community, several faculty and staff of Tampa-based nonprofit higher education institution Ultimate Medical Academy participated in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb on Saturday, March 11, 2017 in Tampa.

UMA participants supported the American Lung Association’s mission while they walked, ran and raced up 42 flights of steps in the Bank of America Plaza, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd. Funds raised during the event support research, education and patient programs to help the millions of Americans impacted by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, air pollution, and other lung diseases.

“This was an amazing event to be a part of, and a great workout too,” said Dan Soschin, the executive overseeing philanthropic initiatives at UMA, who did the climb while his wife and four-year-old toddler cheered. “Everyone from UMA felt a sense of personal accomplishment when we reached the top. It felt great: we might have been out of breath, but we were helping others breathe easier.”

“Giving back to the community is something that is important to every team member at UMA,” added Dr. Amanda Smith, UMA vice provost of Curriculum and Academic Services, who also participated in the climb. “It’s very rewarding to work with a group of individuals who are so dedicated to making a difference for both our students and the communities in which we live.”

As the largest fundraising climb program in the country, Fight For Air Climbs are held in prominent skyscrapers around the nation, giving participants the opportunity to join together with their local community and climb the stairs of a building to the very top. Every step taken helps moves the American Lung Association forward in its fight for healthy lungs and clean air.

“We are so thankful for all of the participants who step up and contribute to the Fight for Air Climb,” said Lindsay Kohn, development manager for the American Lung Association. “Not only are they helping to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by this illness, they are helping us get one step closer to our vision of a world free of lung disease. Together, we can defeat these threats to lung health.”

UMA’s involvement with the American Lung Association is one of the many service projects and outreach initiatives the higher education institution participates in each year. For more details about UMA’s involvement in the community, visit /about/community-outreach/.