Oak Forest Resident Takes It Higher for American Lung Association

Oak Forest resident Eva LaRoche has an excuse to skip the stairs and take the elevator next time.

LaRoche tackled 180 floors and 2,340 steps up Chicago's Presidential Towers to take on lung disorders for the American Lung Association's Fight for Clean Air Sunday, March 27.

And her legs held up better than she expected.

"I had no soreness at all," she said. "I was expecting really sore legs."

Twelve hundred others joined in the climb, which was broken up by the number of floors, with the total floors added across the towers. LaRoche rose to the four-tower challenge and trained by running the steps at Swallow Cliff Forest Preserve. With 145 steps total there, each time she visited she made nine trips up and down the steps in anticipation of: 

One Tower Climb: 45 total floors, 585 steps
Two Tower Climb: 90 total floors, 1,170 step
Three Tower Climb: 135 total floors, 1,775 steps
Four Tower Climb (LaRoche's Path): 180 floors, 2,340 steps

"After the first tower, I wasn't even winded," she said, of the first 45 floors. "The fourth tower, I really pushed myself. Really wanted to see what I could do."

Some participants sign up to show support for loved ones or friends touched by lung cancer. Some focus more on increasing awareness about secondhand smoke or Emphysema. LaRoche's interest stemmed from growing up with a sibling who suffered from asthma. Susan Kirby, LaRoche's sister, dealt with asthma throughout childhood. Susan passed away in 2000; asthma was not the cause, LaRoche clarified.

"Growing up with someone with that [asthma], it really hits close to home with for me," LaRoche said.

LaRoche joined 9 others on Team WellBeing MD, led by Dr. John Principe, an internal medicine specialist. The team's fund-raising goal is set at $14,000—so far, they've raised $8,490. They've climbed to the top fund-raising spot, among all the teams. Principe ranks second in individual fund-raising, with $2,500 raised. Donations will be accepted through April 27, via the group's website. Click on "Support Eva" to contribute.

LaRoche is ready for next year's climb.

"It was the best," she said. "It really made me feel good."