Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS members participated in the American Lung Association “Fight for Air” Climb in Philadelphia, PA. Team “Ash Kickers of Upper Merion”, with the support of the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Co. and members of the Upper Merion community, raised $2,255 to support people with lung disease who are fighting for every breath.

The Ash Kickers of Upper Merion joined ~450 civilian climbers and ~45 firefighter climbers from the Philadelphia region to scale the 50 floors / 1,088 steps at Three Logan Square in Philadelphia. All fire fighters from our team completed the climb in full gear/air packs, which is ~50-60 lbs. of total gear.

Team co-captain, Andrea Esqueda, stated, “Our entire stair climb team would like to thank the KPVFC for sponsoring the volunteer members our team. This was an amazing opportunity for us to come together as a team and participate in a unique and very challenging event. We all grew our relationships with each other as firefighters, with fellow firefighters from across the Philadelphia region, and enhanced confidence in our abilities to be able to quickly and effectively respond to any situation within the numerous high-rises within Upper Merion Township.” Co-captain Julianna Smull added, “Stuff like this, you have the opportunity to meet people who push you to get to the end, and that’s what we did.”

The Ash Kickers of Upper Merion were the top firefighter fundraising team, and the only all-female firefighter team at the Philadelphia climb. Event organizer Felice Kelem with the American Lung Association, said, “These ladies were absolutely amazing on Saturday. Their power and strength is motivational. Thank you from the bottom of our lungs for all that you do and for supporting the lung disease community.”

The Ash Kickers are looking forward to their next climb together!