State of Tobacco Control Report

Denver Bronco Takes Steps for Lung Health at Fourth Annual Anthem Run the Republic
Daniel Graham Creates Competition to Raise Funds for the American Lung Association of Colorado

DENVER – The American Lung Association of Colorado’s Anthem Run the Republic welcomes a familiar Colorado name to this years’ event. Denver Broncos tight end and co-founder of the Daniel Graham Foundation, Daniel Graham, is gearing up for the event by creating a friendly competition for lung health. In its fourth year, Anthem Run the Republic will take place at the Republic Plaza in downtown Denver on February 22, 2009, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Graham’s team will compete against the Denver Parks and Recreation team, led by Angela Lockhart from Mass Mutual Wealth Concepts and against ROTC cadets from colleges in the Denver metro area, led by Lieutenant Colonel Toth. The team with the slowest combined climbing time will make a contribution to Champ Camp, Colorado’s only camp for kids with asthma, administered by the American Lung Association of Colorado. In addition to the contribution through Run the Republic, the Daniel Graham Foundation annually sponsors children for the camp.

“Having asthma myself, I am extremely honored to support the work of the American Lung Association of Colorado, especially helping youth identify and control their asthma. The youth who are sponsored at Champ Camp by the Daniel Graham Foundation have an incredible opportunity to educate themselves about asthma triggers and how to control their asthma,” stated Graham.

Graham, Lockhart and Lt. Col. Toth will cheer for their teammates on the 53rd floor of the Republic Plaza. After the culmination of the climb, an informal awards ceremony will take place to recognize the winning team.

Ashton Altieri, meteorologist for 9News, is the honorary chair for the fourth annual Anthem Run the Republic. He will serve as the master of ceremonies in the lobby throughout the event.

Curt Huber, Executive Director for the American Lung Association of Colorado, stated, “The Anthem Run the Republic truly offers a unique lung challenge for everyone. This year we expect to see a 92-year-old woman, a man in ski boots, a variety of unique costumes as many others climb the 1,098 steps to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.”

As the American Lung Association of Colorado’s biggest fundraising event, the fourth annual stair climb anticipates it will attract more than 2,000 participants and raise more than $300,000 to support the fight for cures, clean air and smoke-free kids. Individuals will climb the 56 floors to reach the stunning views of Denver’s skyline before returning to the lobby for interactive booths, food and fun. Individuals can register for $35 with a required $53 pledge minimum (to represent the culmination of the climb on the 53rd floor). Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado is the title sponsor for Run the Republic 2009. Other sponsors include Brookfield Properties, EnCana, UnitedHealthcare, the Piton Foundation/Gary Williams Energy Corporation, First Bank of Colorado, Boehringer Ingelheim, Everest Development Company, Colorado Athletic Club, 9News and Sunflower Market. For more information about Run the Republic or to register, visit www.runtherepublic.com.

About the American Lung Association of Colorado
For more than 100 years, the American Lung Association of Colorado has been a leading organization in the state working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association of Colorado funds vital research on the causes and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association of Colorado is “Fighting For Air.” For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA or log on to www.lungcolorado.org.