Over 5,000 people made their way to Battery Park to participate in the fifth annual Breathe NYC Asthma Walk, an event that aims to raise asthma awareness.

Some doctors say that the Bronx is the nation?s asthma capitol, with one of the highest asthma rates in the country. Breathe NYC hopes to change that, saying they want fresh air for Bronx residents and workers.

The event is a 3-mile walk that raises money for research and education programs pertaining to asthma. Doctors use events like this one to promote early detection and education about asthma.

?The significance of this walk is that they need to know we have different treatment and it?s a condition that to some extent could be prevented to an extent in the emergency department,? Jose R. Sanchez, vice president of NYC Health and Hospitals, says.

Organizers hope to raise over $300,000 during Saturday?s event. All of the proceeds will go to the American Lung Association?s research and education programs.