Competitors are preparing for the 25th annual StairClimb to Cure Cystic Fibrosis on March 11, a fund-raising event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The activity has special meaning for attorney Fred Phillips, who had a portion of his lung removed in 2000. The piece of lung was transplanted into Mathew Joyce — 17 at the time — whose own lungs were severely damaged by the genetic disease. Phillips’ contribution became Joyce’s left lung. A second donor gave a portion of his lung to serve as Joyce’s right lung.

The 2006 StairClimb will be at One America Plaza, San Diego’s tallest building at 500 feet. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the climb at 9 a.m. It will be Phillips’ 25th year. Climbers have the choice of two stairwells — one is for a more competitive climber, the other for a slower-paced climber.

Participants will climb the 32 floors as many times as possible. The record is 28 times in three hours. Snacks and refreshments are continuously provided. For information, call (858) 578-2945. Sentre Partners, with offices in the building, is sponsoring the event, along with Ace Parking, Andy Parker’s Health & Fitness Center, Boar’s Head Brand, Roundtable Pizza, San Diego City Firefighters, Lou & Mickey’s, Letter Kraft Printing and Geocon Inc., among others.