On March 9, South Florida firefighter and paramedic Peter Berger will participate in the Fight For Air Climb at loanDepot park. Berger will climb 1,700 stairs while wearing more than 50 pounds of turnout gear. Over the past seven years, he has raised nearly $150,000 for lung health research and programming through this event.
Berger was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2008 due to job-related mold exposure. With medical guidance and medication, his symptoms are now well-managed. He currently works as a fire inspector for Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.
“I thought I was too young to be diagnosed with COPD,” Berger shared. “My pulmonologist told me that mold infiltration in the lungs is a way to get COPD, especially for young people. Now my health is really good, and I’m rarely short of breath. I live with this disease, but it doesn’t define me.”
Berger discovered the Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb seven years ago while seeking a new physical challenge. Since then, he has led teams up thousands of stairs to raise funds and awareness for lung diseases like COPD. He dedicates each climb to firefighters who have lost their battle with lung disease.
In 2021, Berger became chair of the Miami Climb and later joined the Lung Association’s South Florida Leadership Board as advocacy chair.
“The Lung Association’s mission means so much to me and my family,” said Berger. “Participation in the Fight For Air Climb saves lives.”
Hernan Milan from Amerant Bank stated: “Peter has been integral to our work to create a future free of lung cancer and lung disease.”
The Miami Climb will occur on March 9 at loanDepot park—Home of the Miami Marlins—and is presented by Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403. Registration costs $35 with a $100 fundraising minimum.
Sponsors include Memorial Cancer Institute, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Amerant Bank, Economos Properties, Wilen Group, Alhambra Orchestra, NSU Florida, Vogelzang Law, Northstar Financial Planners, Enterprise Mobility Foundation and national corporate team partner Kindred Hospitals.
“There is no elevator to the cure,” Berger added. “So I’m encouraging our South Florida community to meet us on the stairs.”
For interviews with Peter Berger contact Victoria O’Neill via email or phone.
