Residents Will Climb The Terminal Tower, Everyone Else Can Just Eat

Avon Lake resident Tom Murphy is taking on the 42 floors of the Terminal Tower in the name of a friend suffering from lung disease. He, and other Avon Lake residents will make the trek on March 3 to support the American Lung Association’s (ALA) fundraiser, Fight for Air Climb.

On March 3, a group of Avon Lake residents, including Barilla, Murphy, Steve Scheer, Lisa Scheer, former Avon Laker Beth Wood, as well as Krystal Kovacik, and Tom’s son, Owen Murphy, will do their part to fight lung disease by climbing 42 floors of Terminal Tower in support of the ALA's fundraiser. Their team is called, Vertical High.

“I dedicate all my fundraising efforts to my dear friend Stan Fulton who is being challenged by an illness that has chosen him,” Tom Murphy said. "Our short minutes of pain climbing does not compare to the pain and suffering many endure when stricken by a deadly lung disease. It is about doing something for someone dear to you when at times you think there are only words to give. Endure a few minutes of pain for others gain.”

The climb is also personal for Steve and Lisa Scheer.

“This is my 10th building climb, the second supporting the American Lung Association's Fight for Air campaign,” Steve Scheer said. “I lost my father to lung cancer in 2009, so this particular event means a lot to me.”

His wife, Lisa, is also a veteran of the climb, having supported numerous charities.

"The first climb in 2005 was completed just to say I did it; there's big bragging rights that come along with climbing 42 floors of a downtown office building," Lisa said. "In recent years, I lost a loved one to lung cancer and have several friends who are battling lung related issues currently."

It's a second climb for Woods.

"I think back to last year and how difficult the climb was for me....I was literally speechless when I got to the top and my friends who got there minutes before me were all surrounding me and I couldn't speak to them for a couple minutes until my breathing got back to normal," she said. "And I think how horrible it must be for someone to have to fight for air on a regular basis."

She witnessed her father's death in 2006 when he father passed away from lung cancer at the age of 78 and how difficult it was to watch him struggle to breathe during the last few days of his life.

"That's why I am doing the stair climb yet again this year - in honor of my dad - and to support the American Lung Association."

Firefighters, in full gear, traditionally make the climb also.

Help out by eating at Buffalo Wild Wings

The team is hoping to raise funds from the climb, but locally, area residents can also help out while eating out at in Avon Lake.

On Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., residents presenting a golden ticket when ordering at Buffalo Wild Wings will be helping Vertical High.

Thirty percent of all pre-tax purchases made that day with the fundraiser ticket will go to the American Lung Association. Fundraiser event vouchers can be obtained from any of the team members, and printing, or by emailing jodybarilla@gmail.com to receive your fundraiser event voucher.

Barillo said Buffalo Wild Wings went above and beyond to help out. 

“I know the ticket says 20 percent of all food sales, but owner, Dave Kajganich, has promised to donate 30 percent of all sales with the fundraising ticket (excluding sales tax),” Barilla said.

Barilla said in addition, those attending between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., may purchase raffle tickets to “win a number of great prizes.” Drawings will begin at 8 p.m.; winners must be present to win. Those who can’t attend the event but still want to contribute can do so through http://tinyurl.com/86gh5qe.