Neighbor News
Churchville Fireman Takes on 400 Steps in Memory of Loved Ones
Tim Pietrzykowski is just one of over 50 local firefighters who will take part in the Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb Rochester
Churchville, New York resident, Tim Pietrzykowski is just one of over 50 local firefighters who will take part in the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb Rochester on Saturday November 3rd at First Federal Plaza. Together, 11 local fire departments will scale the 19 floors, or 400 steps, to the top of the building in order to raise funds and awareness for lung disease research, advocacy and education.
Each participant has their own reason for climbing, but Tim has three.
As Tim climbs the stairs he’ll be thinking of two important men in his life: Everett Norris, his grandfather, who passed away in 2015 after suffering from chronic lung disease. Tim also lost his dear friend Michael Tenebruso, earlier this year when stage 4 colon cancer spread to his lungs.
“You cannot take your lung health for granted,” Pietrzykowski said. “I saw my grandpa and my friend both struggle to breathe – and I know that in reality it’s a battle that can be deadly for even the best and bravest.”
Tim has also had to fight for his own lung health, both as a firefighter, and through a personal experience with a benign tumor that interfered with his ability to breath. “I’ve lived the fight for air – and if I can help others in their fight by climbing these stairs, it’s something I am proud to do. My friend Michael used to say ‘We don't know how much time we have in life, so you do the best you can, that's all you can do’ and that’s why I am here.”
The nature of their service means that lung disease often affects the firefighter and first responder community more than others. In Rochester and throughout the nation, local fire departments use the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climbs to support their brothers and sisters in emergency services, their community, and as a team building and training exercise. Tim and other firefighters will do the 400 step climb in full firefighting gear, weighing over 50lbs.
As Tim prepares for this year’s Climb, he’ll be remembering those who have inspired him, as well as celebrating the service of his parents who were both firefighters as well. Supporters can donate to his fundraising page here.