A Surrey couple is planning to climb one of Vancouver’s tallest building in tribute to mothers and others challenged by breathing problems
On Feb. 26, first-time stair climbers Romia and Anshu Arora will join hundreds of others at the BC Lung Association’s 16th annual Climb the Wall: The Stairclimb for Clean Air.
They’ll make their way up all 48 storeys at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel in support of the one in five British Columbians with breathing problems – including Anshu’s mother Alka Arora.
Alka has pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung disease that results in scarring of the lungs. The only cure is a lung transplant.
“My mother-in-law has been on the B.C. transplant list for over two years now,” said Romia. “She’s patiently waiting for her turn to come. It’s been heart breaking to see her struggle on a daily basis. She can’t get through doing daily tasks without resting, things the rest of us don’t think twice about.”
That’s why the couple is climbing for her, and for everyone else fighting against lung disease, Romia said.
“My husband has got friends and family involved in this event. It’s a great way to visit and do something active together – with life’s busy schedule, we sometimes need an excuse like this”
People like Anshu and Romia help inspire the work done at the BC Lung Association, said event organizer Marissa McFadyen.
“Our annual stair climb event is designed to challenge your strength, stamina and lungs, however at the end of the day we’re all here for the same reason – to raise funds to help advance the fight against lung disease,” McFadyen said.
Climb the Wall: The Stairclimb for Clean Air is an annual BC Lung Association fundraiser.
Participants gather to climb one of the tallest staircases in Vancouver, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. All proceeds support lung health research, education and support.
And for participants craving an extreme challenge, organizers have added a new competitive category called the Fight & Flight Challenge. Those who sign up for the challenge are required to complete a pre-stair climb obstacle course before heading up 48 storeys.
For more information, to register, or to support participants like Romia and Anshu, visit
stairclimb.ca or call the BC Lung Association at 604-731-5864 (LUNG).