Mastering the Met and Tackling Asthma!
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
What an energizing way to spend a beautiful Saturday in St. Louis! In case you don’t know, Master the Met is a competitive stairclimb to the top of the Metropolitan Square Building in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. At 42 stories, it is the city’s tallest building. Master the Met is dubbed a physical challenge, a corporate challenge, a community challenge and a philanthropic challenge. It is the major fund raiser for the American Lung Association-Central States. Over $230,000 was raised this year for the ALA’s mission of prevention, control and cure of lung diseases through education, research and advocacy. http://breathehealthy.org
And no, I did not race up the 42 flights of stairs on March 7, but I did join the other members of our Missouri Asthma Team in making a united stand to join forces in changing the status of St. Louis as the Asthma Capital of the country. http://www.aafa.org/pdfs/2009ACPublicList.PDFMissouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder did join Chris in the climb to the top, both finishing in very respectable times. Jamie Roberts, Development Manager of the American Lung Association of the Central States; Peggy Gaddy, Missouri Department of Health Asthma Program Coordinator; Terry Plain, Missouri Foundation of Health; Emily Pike, Program Director of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America-St. Louis Chapter; Dr. Mario Castro, Pulmonologist and board member of the St. Louis Regional Asthma Consortium; Chris, and Lt. Gov. Kinder are captured just prior to the climb in the attached photo.
(Oops…you’re correct…there is no group photograph attached! The photographer (that would be me!) should have had everyone scoot together a little more as the group picture won’t fit on this page. Fortunately, you can view the photo elsewhere on our site! The photo you do see is of Chris and Lt. Gov. Kinder prior to their climb.)
Peggy, Terry, and Emily joined me at the Top of the Met to welcome the sweaty warriors as they crossed the finish line. I admit I did feel a little guilty as I pushed the express elevator button to “master” the 42 story building, especially as I saw several adolescents and retirement-aged participants limbering up before they started their climb. That guilt lasted about as long as it took the first runner to make it to the top and I again realized what a strenuous challenge it was! I reminded myself that, “They also serve who stand and cheer!” and we did our best to show our appreciation for those Asthma Team members who chose to climb by whistling, cheering, and supplying water when needed. Dr. Castro actually returned later to climb the stairs with his son.
Later that evening Chris and I had the privilege of attending the AAFA Orchid Ball, a premiere black-tie event founded in 1991, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization’s local service and educational programs. Imagine being in a room filled with enthusiastic people sharing the same passion – making the world a safer, healthier place and providing assistance to those who are struggling to hold on until that safer, healthier place is realized. Now add good music, delicious food, and a live auction… but wait-there’s more!
I can’t leave out the inspirational stories and the awards presentation. Congratulations to Anne Birkenmeier, Wayne Kauffman, and Harrah’s Casino and Hotel for recognition of their dedication and support of AAFA. Best wishes to the Ritchie family, AAFA Project Care recipients. I’m a living witness that a child with asthma can go on to do amazing things, especially with the support of loving parents with access to a strong support system.
Chris and I are back in Atlanta, rejoicing in the fact that the Asthma Team is growing and that the strength in numbers makes the task of each individual much smaller. Thank you to all the team members who made us feel so welcome and honored us by sharing part of their day (and evening) with us. There is room enough on this journey for everyone that wants to make a difference. Come join the team!
Until next time,
Pat
P.S. An update to my January submission: Yes, I have increased the distance and frequency of my walks and no, I can’t play the flute yet!
Links: Asthma Consortium Missouri Foundation for Health Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services