Hundreds of people climbed Rochester's First Federal Plaza this morning to raise money for the American Lung Association.

It's called the Fight for Air Climb. Members of the community, EMS, and local fire departments all pledged to climb the 400 steps to raise money for research on lung disease.

Organizers explained how the event gets its name from the feeling participants get when they reach the top of the 19 flights.

"When we talk about fight for air when you get to the top you're really fighting for air, and it’s a connection to our mission, we encourage our participants to really think about what someone living with lung disease feels like every day, let alone when they're struggling for breath just that moment when they finish," said Kelli Hanson of the American Lung Association.

Organizers say the event is expected to raise more than $50,000 this year. All proceeds go directly to funding lung disease research, advocacy and education.