CHICAGO – An area state legislator is joining a south suburban family in their fight against lung cancer.

State Senator Bill Cunningham will join the Piet family from Tinley Park for the Hustle Up the Hancock event held in downtown Chicago by the Respiratory Health Association.

Cunningham was inspired by young Ian Piet, who lost his father to lung cancer in 2015. Witnessing the battle motivated Ian and his mother Holli to become advocates for a cure for lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

This will be the second year in a row Cunningham has joined Piet on the 94-story climb up the John Hancock Building to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for lung cancer.

“I am proud to do everything I can to help Ian raise awareness and money to combat cancer and other respiratory illnesses,” Cunningham said. “We all must do our part to help end cancer once and for all.”

This year’s event is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2018.