National Pageant Titleholder to Tackle Cityplace in Hartford with American Lung Association

Savannah Giammarco, 15, of Middletown, will once again support the American Lung Association by climbing in Hartford on April 6. In November, Savannah was crowned 2012-2013 National All American Miss Junior Teen. Savannah, who participated in the 2011 Fight for Air Climb in Hartford, was unable to climb last year due to a scheduling conflict. She supports the American Lung Association because lung disease personally affects her and her family. Savannah’s grandmother, Donna Iacovella, 72, has been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since before Savannah was born.  Iacovella has never smoked.

“It’s really terrible,” says Savannah of her grandmother’s illness. “[My grandmother] coughs all of the time and contracts bronchitis regularly. I would do anything in my power to help find a cure and this is something that I can do.” When Savannah did the climb two years ago, she came across her grandmother’s picture in the stairwell and immediately felt proud to be doing something in her honor.

When asked what she does to prepare to climb all those stairs, Savannah said her normal, active lifestyle is great preparation. “I ride horses competitively,” she said. “The leg strength and stamina I will need to climb the stairs comes from horseback riding.”

“Savannah is doing a great service by speaking candidly about the very real pain that accompanies lung disease,” said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast.  “COPD is a disease that affects 13 million Americans and countless more family members and loved ones. We are committed to reducing the burden of lung disease on all Americans through education, advocacy and research.”

Seyler explained that while thousands of people who have never smoked are diagnosed with COPD, smoking is still the major cause of all COPD diagnoses. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death and the American Lung Association invests in programs designed to help smokers quit and to prevent kids from ever starting. He adds that the Lung Association tirelessly advocates for states and the federal government to focus more on reducing the burden of tobacco, including increasing funding for tobacco control programs, which are severely underfunded in this country.

Savannah is asking others to join her as she tackles the 731 stairs of Cityplace I in downtown Hartford. “It really is so much fun,” said Giammarco. “It seems intimidating at first but once you get there, your adrenaline kicks in and you just have a blast.” Interested parties can join her team or make a donation by visiting her personal fundraising page. She has also taken to her Facebook page to spread the word about the work of the American Lung Association. 

The Fight for Air Climb at Cityplace in downtown Hartford takes place on April 6. The building boasts 38 floors. Kelser Corporation is the premier sponsor of the 2013 Fight for Air Climb: Hartford. To receive a $10 discount on registration, visit Climbofyourlife.org and enter discount code dcne23. To learn more about the event, contact Event Manager Heather Caisse at hartfordclimb@LungNE.org or (413) 505-5059.