East Haven Firefighter, Wallingford Resident Honoring His Brothers Who Suffer From Cystic Fibrosis

By Ebony Walmsley, Special to Wallingford Patch

For East Haven firefighter Gordon Stewart, climbing the 531 stairs of 360 State Street for the American Lung Association’s 4th annual Fight for Air Climb: New Haven, has more significance than simply making it to the top; it’s a means to honor his brothers who suffer from cystic fibrosis.

Stewart, of Wallingford, will be climbing the State Street building with other firefighters from the East Haven Fire Department in their full gear.

Fight for Air Climbs are the American Lung Association’s most unique fundraisers. Climbs take place in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve walking, running or racing up hundreds of steps.

Sometimes called a “vertical road race,” teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends. The Fight for Air Climb: New Haven, will take place on Saturday, February 28. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the first climber will start at 9 a.m.

“The American Lung Association is extremely grateful to our Fight for Air Climb participants, especially those like Gordon who climb in honor of loved ones who suffer from lung disease,” said Jeff Seyler, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast.

“By honoring his brothers’ battles with cystic fibrosis, Gordon is helping the American Lung Association raise awareness of its mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease. We’re pleased to be returning to 360 State Street for the fourth year to raise funds for lung disease research that will benefit people like the Stewarts,” Seyler said.

John Stewart, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby and spent a significant amount of time in the hospital for breathing treatments. He also received a lung transplant last year.

Jim Stewart was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child and was recently told he would be placed on a lung transplant list.

“Both of my brothers have been through a great deal and they’ve never complained once. If they can accomplish this, I can complete the climb,” Stewart said.

“For my brothers, having clean air is extremely important; they already have difficulty breathing. For me, as a firefighter, we always have to be able to breathe properly on the job. It’s important to have clean air and healthy lungs in order for us to be able to do our job properly,” Stewart said.

To find out more about the Fight for Air Climb: New Haven or to register visit www.fightforairclimb.org or e-mail Event Manager, Danielle Ferrari at newhavenclimb@lungne.org. The Fight for Air Climb: New Haven is proudly sponsored by Elm City Market, O’Tooles Irish Pub & Restaurant, Poland Springs, Telemundo, Channel 3, Yale-New Haven Hospital, 360 Street, AMP Radio Network and Radio 104.1 WMRQ.

About the American Lung Association of the Northeast

The American Lung Association of the Northeast is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. The American Lung Association of the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT. www.LungNE.org

Submitted photo: Stewart on left, brother Jim has Mickey hat on and brother John has the goofy hat on.