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For the First Time Ever, American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE Walk Comes to the Nation's Capital; Walk Supports Lung Cancer Patients, Raises Funds for Lung Cancer Research
American Lung Association event at Thomas Jefferson Memorial supports LUNG FORCE, a nationwide initiative addressing lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer in U.S.
(October 3, 2018) - WASHINGTON, D.C.
On Saturday, October 20, 2018 the American Lung Association in the District of Columbia will host a LUNG FORCE Walk for the first time at the nation’s capital to support lung cancer patients. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both women and men in America, and the American Lung Association’s nationwide LUNG FORCE initiative seeks to make lung cancer a public health priority, drive policy change and increase research funding.
“We are celebrating 5 years of the LUNG FORCE movement and we are excited to see it come to D.C. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of men and women in America, but alarmingly few see lung cancer as a threat to them personally,” said Dan Green, Division Vice President, Development, American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic. “The reality is that anyone can get lung cancer, yet lung cancer has been in the shadows for decades. This simply must change. We invite everyone in the D.C. Metro area and surrounding states to join us at the nation’s capital and rally with friends, neighbors and colleagues to raise our voices together against lung cancer.”
The inaugural nation’s capital LUNG FORCE Walk will start at 10 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial located on 701 E Basin Drive. Joining us at the LUNG FORCE Walk will be special guest LUNG FORCE Hero Senita Hill, whose mother and best friend both passed away after battling lung cancer.
“I hope that by sharing my story at the LUNG FORCE Walk in our nation’s Capital, that I’ll help raise awareness of lung cancer in women, something I feel passionate about,” said Senita Hill. “In my mother and my best friend’s case, they didn’t find out they had lung cancer until it was too late. Once we raise awareness, we can work together to get lung cancer patients the resources they need.”
The Walk takes place one month prior to Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which is recognized each November. In conjunction with LCAM the Lung Association conducts its Lung Health Barometer survey. Findings reveal awareness of lung cancer and the lifesaving potential of lung cancer screening is critically low. With the Saved By The Scan campaign, the Lung Association is raising awareness about lung cancer and the new availability of lifesaving lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan - a powerful tool to diagnose lung cancer at an early stage, when it is much more likely to be curable. Screening is recommended for those considered at high risk for lung cancer. An estimated 9 million Americans are eligible, and if only half of those at high risk were screened, more than 15,000 lives could be saved.
According to the Lung’s Association’s State of Lung Cancer report, there will be more than 310 people in the District of Columbia diagnosed with lung cancer and 200 will succumb to the deadly disease in 2018. The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative was created to help defeat lung cancer and give hope to families facing this diagnosis.
LUNG FORCE Walks not only raise awareness, but also raise funds for lifesaving research.
The American Lung Association is funding more than $6.6 million for research during its 2017-2018 fiscal year, which includes 72 novel and innovative lung disease research grants, plus funding for the Airways Clinical Research Centers.
“By funding more than $6.6 million in promising research this fiscal year, the American Lung Association is investing in a healthier future for Americans, including the 32 million individuals who live with a chronic lung disease,” Green said.
The American Lung Association in the District of Columbia offers several resources for individuals and families that have been impacted by lung cancer. Anyone seeking help can visit LUNGFORCE.org or call the Lung Association’s toll-free Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA for information, resources and support services. Visit Lung.org/lung-cancer for comprehensive education and support developed specifically for lung cancer patients and caregivers.
The Lung Association in the District of Columbia would like to thank the following LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors:
- Bath Fitter
- Trusted Health Plan
- 97.1 WASH-FM
- iHeart Radio
- Herr's
- Wegmans
Media interested in covering the event should contact American Lung Association Communications Director Ewa Dworakowski at [email protected] or 717-971-1123 or 717-503-3903 (cell).
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About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
