CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Susan Warmerdam was a healthy, active 47-year old when she found herself with a cough that just wouldn't go away.
"I went to the doctor, and the doctor thought it was allergies. Several months and tests later, it was my symptoms for Stage 4 lung cancer," she recalls.
As a non-smoker, she was in shock.
"I was in disbelief. I didn't think I could get this, not having ever smoked," she said. "My oncologist thinks I had the cancer for five to seven years prior."
Turns out it was a gene mutation.
"My treatment was a daily targeted cancer treatment drug which was only experimental, but later FDA-approved. I was on that for two years and able to live a normal life. I learned a lot about the disease and staying healthy," Warmerdam said.
That's when she got involved with the American Lung Association and learned about the Fight For Air Climb.
"It's now grown to 100 people. The money we've raised which is now over $350,000 to date. We've also funded five cancer research studies because the drug I was on was experimental and came out of research. By funding these research studies, we're really supporting life-saving research," she said.
Warmerdam is taking part in her seventh stair climb this year.
"One of the reasons I'm still here is to advocate for the disease and other lung cancer patients."
The Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb at Presidential Towers attracts thousands of Illinois residents and people from across the country who race up the stairs of one, two, three or all four Presidential Towers (a total of 180 floors, 2,340 steps). More information and registration for the event is available online.