If you’ve ever stood on the Las Vegas Strip and stared skyward toward the top of the iconic Stratosphere Hotel—Nevada’s tallest structure—the idea of climbing 1,455 stairs to the 108th floor probably never crossed your mind. But that’s exactly what four “Team Carrington” members from Carrington Las Vegas representing Carrington’s Respiratory Care Program recently did when they participated in the pulse-raising SCALE THE STRAT Fight for Air Climb, climbing The Strat Tower to promote lung health and help raise more than $300,000 for the American Lung Association back in February For Respiratory Care instructor and event participant Marne Humphries, it was an energizing opportunity to raise money while getting some exercise in the process.
“It’s a great way to support the American Lung Association, to bring exposure and awareness to lung disease, and to celebrate lung disease survivors,” says Humphries. “To host the event at a Las Vegas landmark that is known to visitors from all over the world is also pretty cool.”
For Jen Carmona, a Respiratory Care instructor, SCALE THE STRAT offered Carrington students and faculty a way to get actively involved and help make a difference. 
“This type of event really underscores the importance of respiratory care—and lung health in general,” says Carmona, who served as team leader. “It reminds people to be healthy, to stop smoking, and to be aware of what can damage your lungs and affect your breathing.” Carmona says the energy and excitement of the event made the 108-story climb a little less intimidating.
“It was such a great feeling to accomplish something positive—and to finish climbing all those stairs,” says Carmona.
Dr. Danielle Mills, Dean of Academic Affairs for all Carrington College campuses, says participating in the event was humbling. “I enjoyed being a part of an event much larger than myself,” says Mills. “This type of event is valuable to a community because it demonstrates the love and support that is available. No one needs to feel alone in a community that is willing to rally around you.” The SCALE THE STRAT event is one of the American Lung Association’s signature fundraising events. Last year, more than 26,000 participants from 44 Climb events across the United States raised more than $7.4 million to support research, patient education, and advocacy. Congratulations to Team Carrington climbers to and to the Carrington students and faculty who volunteered, including Gretchen, Charles, Michael, Marina, Steven, Meseret, Katerine, Romely, Tiffany, Ella, Chloe, Crisselle, Ashley, and Yesenia.
