South Florida fitness group furthers advocacy and becomes official warm-up partner for charitable event.
MIAMI, FL, February 26, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ — Body Routers® Fitness joins the American Lung Association as the official warm-up partner for this year’s 17th Fight For Air Climb Miami scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2021. The event will take place outdoors at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, starting at 7 a.m. The climb has traditionally taken place indoors, but in light of COVID-19, the charitable event nearly has 400 pre-registered climbers in waves throughout the day stepping up for a good cause outside at the stadium bleachers.
“It’s a cause close to my heart and we are incredibly honored to partner with the American Lung Association to support their mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease,” said Ray Irizarry IV, Owner and Head Coach of Body Routers, who recently lost his grandfather to COVID-19. “Kudos to the American Lung Association for their ability to pivot effectively for this signature event and take it to a different space that would accommodate for these times. The climb allows them to raise much-needed funds and awareness, and we are humbled to be invited to be a part of it.”
As part of the ongoing efforts, the South Florida fitness group is providing personalized training to lung cancer patient, Lung Force Hero and Mission Chair, Irisaida Méndez. “Life is uncertain. No one expects to fight to breathe every day; no one plans for cancer, but life doesn’t stop there.” A second-year climb participant, her team #imKahlo is inspired by iconic artist Frido Kahlo whose works reflect courage to overcome life’s challenges and limitations.
“Advocacy is the key to a future free of terminal lung disease,” continued Méndez; “to have the power of Body Routers take a stance to raise awareness and provide education about lung disease gives me hope. It’s why I climb. This year I dedicate my climb to those who died of lung disease, especially to Luis and Margarita Espin, grandparents of Coach Ray Irizarry IV and parents of the 2021 Fight for Air Climb Lung Champion, Maggie Espin-Christina.”
“Irisaida is a warrior,” said Irizarry. “At Body Routers, we train warriors. I believe that no climb is too high when you share the journey with others that encourage you to push forward”, continued Irizarry. “We’re here to be part of that journey to find what truly moves you in life.”
To join #imKahlo powered by Body Routers for the interactive outdoor activity or donate to help make an impact in your community to strive for a healthier future, clean air and vital COVID-19 research, visit the Registration page through the American Lung Association. In addition to the in-person climb, there’s an option for a virtual climb for those individuals who are not able to attend, the Climb Your Way. Both options encourage climbers to go at their own pace. The in-person event requires all participants to wear masks and maintain proper social distancing in adherence to COVID-19 requirements.
Body Routers will also help kick off the 2021 Fight For a Climb Miami as the day’s fitness emcee, with a warm-up that will get climbers loose and limber for the challenge. There is a total of 915 steps going up and down. Participants may register with a team or as an individual. The minimum fundraising requirement for each person is $100.
“Climbs are held across the nation to raise funds for all those impacted by lung disease. This year is especially important, as this now includes COVID-19,” said Kayle Rourke, Development Manager for the American Lung Association in South Florida. “As millions of people around the globe have been impacted by this respiratory virus pandemic, our work is needed more than ever. This March, we launched a $25 million Action initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future viruses of this nature. We truly believe that every step counts and are grateful for all our supporters.”
In its advocacy, Body Routers recognizes its business partners, AE Media Group, Beyond CorpComm, Ink Link Marketing, Magno Embroidery & Screen Printing, and the Law Office of Andrew Williams, who have joined forces to maximize their efforts and expertise to help bring this partnership into fruition.
For more information about American Lung Association, visit www.lung.org.
About Body Routers Fitness
Body Routers Fitness provides personalized, and group training focused on proper technique in a structured setting. Body Routers was founded by strength coach and lifestyle mentor, Ray Irizarry IV, a former collegiate athlete. Irizarry holds a black belt in American Kenpo Karate and numerous fitness certifications.
A native of South Florida, Irizarry earned a Bachelor of Science degrees in Recreation and Sport Management and Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida International University. Membership packages are posted on the company’s website. Online fitness programs are available for at-home sessions — minimal or no equipment necessary — with a physical location in Miami Gardens, FL, where sessions of limited capacity are held Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit bodyrouters.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
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