300 Firefighters To Race Up John Hancock Center In Memory Of New York Brethren

2/22/2002

From: Kevin Tynan, 312-243-2000, ext. 265, 312-659-6884 (cell) or Liz Zweigle, 312-243-2000, ext. 250, 773-383-7448 (cell), both of the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago

News Advisory:

WHO: More than 3,000 runners, including 300 firefighters in full battle dress to honor New York firefighters, will "Hustle Up the Hancock" the tallest stair climb in the United States. Participants will climb either 94 or 42 floors.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, starting at 7 a.m.

WHERE: John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan, Chicago

WHY: More than one million people in the Chicago area suffer from some form of lung disease - an estimated 1 in 10 or 130,000 children have asthma. Firefighters have a high incidence of respiratory disease. Proceeds support the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago's research, advocacy and education programs including a camp for severely asthmatic children, research on emphysema, and legislative initiatives to reduce air pollution.

VISUALS - INTERVIEWS: -- More than 300 firefighters in 60 lbs. of fire gear climbing in memory of fallen NY firefighters. More than 3,000 climbers of all ages, sizes and speeds racing to the top of one of the tallest buildings in the world. -- Male and female firefighters are available for interviews. -- Dramatic photos of Chicago symbol - among world's tallest building. -- President of American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago talking about prevalence of asthma. -- Representatives from The Hancock Observatory explaining why they support this event.