GLENSIDE, Pa. - In a world where social distancing has become part of our everyday lives during these uncertain times, one thing that remains certain is Arcadia University's ability to stay united - albeit virtually - and rally together to fight for a cause no matter how tall the task is at hand.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the postponement - or in some cases cancellation - of several events nationwide in recent weeks, including the American Lung Association's 2020 'Fight For Air Climb' in Philadelphia this past weekend. However, two members of the Arcadia Athletics Community came together to find a way to ensure the climb could still be completed in some capacity.
One of the American Lung Association's signature fundraising events, Fight For Air Climbs are stair climbs held in prominent skyscrapers around the country. Over the last several years, the Fight For Air Climbs have raised more than $53 million to support the mission of the American Lung Association. The 2020 event in Philadelphia was scheduled to take place at Three Logan Square, which presents 50 floors and 1,088 stairs in total.
Once the news broke that the Fight For Air Climb was canceled, Arcadia women's basketball senior Taylor Dunn and Director of Sport Performance/Head Athletic Trainer Danielle Duffy developed the idea of delivering the climb virtually with the help of the Arcadia Community.
"We were disappointed to find out it was postponed," said Dunn. "But a week or so ago, Danielle texted me an idea; people do not have to go to Three Logan Square to climb 50 flights of stairs, they can do it anywhere."
Dunn first became involved in the American Lung Association's initiatives after her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2019. Fortunately, she was able to beat the cancer and is now fully recovered.
After some discussion, the two reached out to the American Lung Association with the idea of a virtual climb and decided that it would take place on the same day the actual climb was scheduled for, March 28.
"The American Lung Association blasted out information to all of the people and groups scheduled to participate in the actual climb, and I reached out to friends and family (I have to give a shoutout to my friend Tricia DeCesare, who got Temple's Delta Zeta sorority involved), and Danielle got the word out to the athletics department," Dunn continued. "Dozens and dozens of people took part and I was amazed at the participation. People in the athletics department that I had never even talked to before or I had just seen in passing were all climbing 50 flights of stairs, which is a testament to Arcadia Athletics in general - we are a family."
Several Arcadia student-athletes and staff members took part in the initiative with less than a day's notice and posted their climbs to social media, which can be seen in the video.
"I think that's the best aspect of being in a smaller campus community - we're all here for each other and support each other, whether it be taking part in someone's senior thesis, attending big conference games, or climbing 50 flights of stairs," Dunn remarked. "I know the people Danielle and I have spoken to in the American Lung Association were amazed at Arcadia's participation. All the people who are currently struggling with COVID-19 and other lung borne illnesses probably loved to click on the hashtags #StillInTheFight and #phillyclimb and see all the people supporting them and spreading awareness."
"I've been at Arcadia for six years, but I'd say it only took about six days to learn one important thing, something that has kept me at Arcadia and consistently made me proud to be a Knight. Arcadia Athletics is comprised of staff and student-athletes that refuse to let someone go to battle alone, they realize there are things much bigger than themselves, they are quick to help carry a burden and they step up when the need arises; in this case specifically, they stepped up 50 flights. For that, and all they do, we are extremely grateful," said Duffy.
"The whole reason Danielle and I went through with this idea was to spread positivity in a time where searching for the positives can be rather difficult," Dunn continued. "Sometimes the silver lining in these situations - like the current pandemic we are facing - is that people and communities are brought together. The Arcadia Athletics community played a HUGE part in doing just that, and I know the Philadelphia American Lung Association is extremely thankful. I also know that a lot of other cities in the nation are participating in a 'virtual' climb in the upcoming weeks. I hope everyone who participated in the climb knows they are a part of something much bigger than what seems like a simple post on an Instagram or Facebook."
