Thousands climb US Bank building in Fight for Air event

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's an exhausting climb up 1,034 steps to the top of the US Bank building on Saturday, March 23rd.

Each person pushed through the exhaustion and burn, with one goal: to help the American Lung Association.

"We climb for those who can't in an effort to raise create awareness and funds if possible," event co-chair Eric Christophersen said.

Participants climb up 47 flights of stairs.  It is a cause close to Christine Kuerschner.  Her mom died from lung cancer last summer.

"She fought a long battle for three years," Christine Kuerschner said.

A huge outpouring of support means more help to those living with lung diseases.

"It means the world to me," she said.  "If I can help any family to go through what we went through, it`s great."

Organizers had a goal to raise $475,000, it looks like they may have gone above and beyond exceeding $500,000.