Climbing for Air: A Conversation with Catherine Widemire

Compounding Change with Shannon Davis

Climbing more than a thousand stairs might sound a little extreme, until you realize it can also be a way to say, “Breathing matters.” From firefighters in heavy gear to families climbing in memory or in honor of someone they love, the Fight for Air Climb brings together courage, grief, hope, and determination around something we all share: the simple act of taking a breath. It’s about turning effort into meaning, one step at a time.

In this episode of Compounding Change, host Shannon Davis talks with Catherine Widemire, Development Manager for the American Lung Association in Northeast Ohio. Catherine shares her own story of living with asthma, how a friend convinced her to take on 1,268 steps at Key Tower for the first time, and how that experience eventually led her to the role she’s in today.

Together they unpack what the climb represents for families, lung cancer survivors, people living with COPD or asthma, and the many others who show up every year with names, faces, and stories in their hearts.

We hope that this episode inspires you to take one step forward, or maybe even take on the challenge of 1,268 steps on March 1, 2026 at Key Tower! Whether you’re climbing, volunteering, donating, or simply making one small change this week to help yourself or someone you love breathe a little easier, you’re making compounding change happen.

Key Takeaways:

-Small, consistent movement can make a real difference for lung health over time

-The Fight for Air Climb at Key Tower is 1,268 steps and open to ages seven through 80+

-Firefighters and first responders climb to spotlight the lung risks they face on every shift

-Fundraising supports research, advocacy, and patient programs like Lung Health Navigators and Freedom From Smoking

-Many people first discover lung disease through a “simple” cough or symptom that doesn’t go away

-The American Lung Association is working to improve access to healthcare, vaccines, and lung cancer screenings

-You don’t have to climb to be involved, since volunteering and donating are meaningful ways to support the mission

-Everyday choices like hydration, movement, nutrition, and air quality all compound into better breathing

-Events like the Fight for Air Climb turn personal stories and community support into real-world impact

The Compounding Change Podcast is brought to you by Jenna Stoliker at https://jennastoliker.com/

Chapters:

00:57 Introduction

01:45 Catherine’s Story

04:51 Saying Yes to the Climb

06:12 Inside Climb Day

13:39 Fundraising and Priorities for Lungh Health

14:51 Warning Signs of Lung Disease

12:54 Where the Money Goes

21:16 Ways to Get Involved

Helpful Links:

Catherine Widemire, American Lung Association, Climb for Air Event: https://climbcleveland.org

Jenna Stoliker: https://jennastoliker.com/

Shannon Davis: https://www.daviscompoundingchange.com/

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The Compounding Change Podcast is brought to you by Jenna Stoliker at https://jennastoliker.com/