HCA Florida Blake Hospital partners with local firefighters and EMS to raise awareness for lung cancer
HCA Florida Blake Hospital hosted its inaugural Fight for Air Stair Climb on Thursday, November 13, drawing a spirited crowd of hospital staff, local firefighters and EMS personnel. The event challenged participants to climb the hospital’s stairwells in solidarity with lung cancer patients, symbolizing the daily struggle many face to breathe.
Firefighters participated in full gear, underscoring the physical toll lung cancer takes on patients and the importance of early detection and community support. “We can appreciate how the individuals that come here to get treatment can’t breathe,” said Training Chief Mark Tuttle of West Manatee Fire Rescue. “By the time you get to the top [of the stairs], you’re glad to be there, but now you’ve got to play catch-up trying to breathe. So it was awareness for everybody.”
According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 227,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025, and the disease continues to have one of the lowest five-year survival rates due to late-stage diagnoses.
Dr. Robert Ferguson, Thoracic Surgeon at HCA Florida Blake Hospital, joined the climb and expressed his appreciation for the community’s support. “Events like this remind us that lung cancer is not just a diagnosis, it’s a daily battle for our patients,” said Dr. Ferguson. “Early detection is the key to saving more lives, and I encourage community members to get screened for lung cancer, especially if they are a smoker or former smoker.”
According to the American Lung Association, screenings like an annual low-dose CT scan can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20% by identifying tumors at earlier, more treatable stages. HCA Florida Blake Hospital offers these screenings to the community, including an affordable self-pay option.
The morning concluded with a picnic lunch, giving participants a chance to connect and look forward to next year’s event. “We hope to make this event bigger next year with a lot more participants,” said Chief Tuttle.
HCA Florida Blake Hospital extends its gratitude to all who participated and helped make the Fight for Air Stair Climb a meaningful success.