PHILADELPHIA, PA | April 6, 2026
The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania is inviting the Greater Philadelphia community to unite as one mighty force for lung health by participating in the LUNG FORCE Walk – Philadelphia in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Presenting Media Sponsor CBS Philadelphia on May 30. The 12th annual event returns to the Philadelphia Zoo for a day of community, awareness and honoring those living with or impacted by lung cancer and lung disease.
Each year, the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia, in partnership with Presenting Media Sponsor CBS Philadelphia, brings together hundreds of Greater Philadelphians to end lung cancer and lung disease. This year, the Lung Association expects to unite more than 1000 people across the region as one mighty force to support lung cancer research, advocacy and education with a fundraising goal of $250,000.
The American Lung Association is proud to welcome Johnson & Johnson as the presenting sponsor of the LUNG FORCE Walk – Philadelphia. Through this collaboration, Johnson & Johnson is helping to expand awareness, support lung cancer research and strengthen community engagement around lung health across the Greater Philadelphia region.
“At Johnson & Johnson, we are deeply committed to advancing innovation in lung cancer care and amplifying the voices of the communities we serve,” said Cynthia Accuosti Jones, Vice President, Commercial, U.S. Oncology, Johnson & Johnson. “The LUNG FORCE Walk – Philadelphia is a powerful reminder that progress happens when we come together with purpose. We are proud to support the American Lung Association in expanding access to education, strengthening research, and uplifting families affected by lung disease across the Greater Philadelphia region.”
As Presenting Media Sponsor, CBS Philadelphia will help raise awareness of lung cancer and lung disease across the region by sharing local stories, highlighting LUNG FORCE Heroes and caregivers, and elevating the impact of the LUNG FORCE Walk through on air, digital and community platforms.
“Our LUNG FORCE Walk – Philadelphia in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Presenting Media Sponsor CBS Philadelphia is a celebration of hope, designed to raise awareness about lung disease and honor those affected, whether personally or through a loved one,” said Caroline Hutchinson, Executive Director, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania. “With Johnson & Johnson’s leadership as presenting sponsor and CBS Philadelphia’s powerful storytelling platform, we are able to amplify the urgent need for lung cancer research, education and advocacy. Their involvement helps us reach more families, highlight inspiring survivor stories and bring our community together to improve lung health and save lives.”
The official Walk route is one mile, beginning at the Philadelphia Zoo’s Impala Lawn. The event takes place rain or shine. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the Walk runs from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m.
The event will kick off with an opening ceremony emceed by CBS News Philadelphia’s Ukee Washington, featuring powerful stories from LUNG FORCE Heroes. Attendees can also take part in the LUNG FORCE Action Passport, designed to educate on lung health, followed by a post‑Walk celebration. After completing the Walk, participants are welcome to explore the Zoo for the rest of the day with their group. All participants receive all‑day access to the Philadelphia Zoo.
CBS Philadelphia is proud to once again join forces with the American Lung Association to amplify their mission and raise awareness for the critical work they do alongside their partners. Last year’s walk showed the power of this community coming together. We focus on stories with heart—and that starts with the most basic need of all: the ability to breathe. We’re honored to return for a second year, walking alongside local difference‑makers and shining a light on the impact happening right here at home.
Lung Cancer Research and Community Impact:
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. Someone is diagnosed with the disease about every two minutes. But there is hope. More people are surviving lung cancer thanks to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment. The five-year survival rate has increased to nearly 30%, which is a 26% increase over the last five years. Funding research into new treatments and potential cures, expanding access to screening, and reducing stigma are essential to saving lives. Nationally, 120 years of research funding, $221 million + invested in research since 2000 and more than 1,700 lung health projects funded.
Since 2014, the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia has brought together a community of volunteers, participants, and LUNG FORCE Heroes to end lung cancer and dedicated to ending lung disease. Together, they have helped raise $1,597,076, including $129,258, and counting, for the 2026 Walk. The impact of that support is felt locally each year, with funds helping to advance important initiatives such as the Lung Cancer Survivor Celebration, which honors survivors and strengthens the connections that make this movement so powerful.
LUNG FORCE Walk events bring together friends, family and company teams to support people with lung disease and lung cancer, have fun and get some exercise. Joining a LUNG FORCE Walk supports the work of the American Lung Association to defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.
Get Involved:
The Lung Association encourages people across the region to get involved in the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia to help end lung cancer. To learn more and register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/philadelphia.
There is no entry fee for the LUNGFORCE Walk Philadelphia itself; participants 18 years and older are required to fundraise a minimum of $35 and children (ages 3-17) have a minimum fundraising fee of $20. For those who wish to offer more support, other packages are available.
Thank you to our LUNG FORCE Walk – Philadelphia in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Presenting Media Sponsor CBS Philadelphia sponsors Penn Medicine, Infucare RX, Jefferson Health, Fox Chase Cancer Center and AmeriHealth Caritas.
MEDIA MATERIALS AVAILABLE: The following media materials are available for your use:
