Folly Beach To Turn Turquoise on November 9, National Lung Cancer Screening Day

On Saturday, November 9, the Charleston community will unite as one mighty force for lung health. Hundreds of participants will join the American Lung Association, lacing up their sneakers to participate in the 11th annual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk at Folly Beach County Park. This is not your everyday 5K—the route is right on the beach!

“On National Lung Cancer Screening Day, we are uniting as one mighty force for lung health and raising awareness for an important tool in the fight against lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.,” TJ Thompson, chair of the Lung Association’s South Carolina Leadership Board and president of Atlantic Respiratory Services. “Detecting lung cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable, significantly improves the survival rate.”

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, sponsored by Gilchrist/Bissell Wealth Management of Raymond James, is known for its hopeful and welcoming atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to dress in turquoise outfits and accessories, such as tutus and boas. Turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE, represents the Lung Association’s effort to bring people together in the fight against lung cancer, serving as a symbol of hope.

Thompson added: “We’re encouraging the Charleston community to join us to honor the memory of those we’ve lost to lung cancer and lift up those who need our support.  Let’s make every step count to save lives!”

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk begins and ends at the Dunes House. Participants may run or walk the 5K beach route, which offers timed results for runners. Everyone is welcome—individuals of all fitness levels, lung cancer survivors, caregivers, families, company teams and even four-legged friends. Registration is $40. For more information, and to register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Charleston.

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk supports the work of the American Lung Association, providing critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness outreach in vulnerable communities. More than 569,000 South Carolinians live with lung disease, including lung cancer, COPD and asthma. The rate of new lung cancer cases in South Carolina is significantly higher than the national rate, with a predicted 4,720 South Carolinians being diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone. Visit SavedByTheScan.org to learn about low-dose CT lung cancer screening tests and take the quiz to see if you should get screened.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., is a member of the New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of the American Lung Association.