Scale The Strat: The Breathtaking Competition Scores Another Great Year

Imagine climbing 108 floors and 1,400 steps to reach the "top of the world," while also helping to find a cure for lung disease.

Well, that's what we did at this year's Scale The Strat! People from across Vegas (and the country) came out to support this amazing event, which aims to raise money for those affected by lung conditions through improving education, research and advocacy.

Scale The Strat, also known as the "Fight For Air Climb" is a signature fundraising event by the American Lung Association that takes place at The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod.

For many of the participants, the fight to finish the climb is personal.

Many people wore lanyards with pictures of loved ones who had lung disease. This often gave the participants a physical reminder and a spiritual push on why they were climbing.

Along with veteran and newbie climbers who all had their reasons for participating, many frontline heroes took the climb to another level.

Multiple firefighters from across the city climbed The Start in their entire, heavy uniform. But it wasn't just our city's frontline workers who graced The Start's staircase.

Another firefighter flew in from New York, climbed The Strat in full uniform, and carried an American flag with the names of victims from The September 11 attacks. This particular firefighter also worked during 9/11, and carried 300 bodies out from the burning buildings.

This event highlights the battle that many have faced or will. The triumphs of each individual climber reflects the will, grit and drive of our community and country.

We also want to shoutout the respiratory therapists from the College of Southern Nevada, who hyped and gave medical attention to the climbers — if needed.

This event raised over $227,000 to help improve education and find a cure for lung diseases. Thank you to all of the people, frontline heroes and volunteers at this event!

We hope to see you at the next Scale The Strat!