Gilchrist/Bissell Wealth Management of Raymond James Recognized as “Champion of Breath” Sponsor for Charleston LUNG FORCE Run/Walk on October 21

The American Lung Association in South Carolina is delighted to recognize Gilchrist/Bissell Wealth Management of Raymond James for its investment in lung health and the Charleston community. The company has been designated the “Champion of Breath” for its sponsorship of this year’s LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, presented by Atlantic Respiratory Services. The 5K takes place on Saturday, October 21 at the Dunes House at the Folly Beach County Park.

“We're honored to partner with the American Lung Association for this event, particularly this year, which marks the 10th anniversary of the LUNG FORCE campaign," shared Banks Marion, advisor at Gilchrist/Bissell Wealth Management of Raymond James, and member of the Lung Association in South Carolina’s Local Leadership Board. “We invite the Charleston community to join us for an event that promises camaraderie and shared hope for a future free of lung disease. Together, we can rally to support all those in our community impacted by lung disease and raise essential funds for the Lung Association's lifesaving work.”

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is one of the few 5Ks in Charleston that takes place on the beach. It’s designed for all fitness levels and is open to individuals, families and company teams. Event day activities include: a light breakfast, pumpkin decorating, turquoise costume contest, surfboard raffle, face painting and more!

Raymond James Financial has partnered with the American Lung Association on signature events across the Southeast since 2018. Since then, they have expanded their partnership to support the Lung Association’s events and initiatives in Florida, Georgia and now South Carolina.

“Raymond James has been a pivotal partner of the Lung Association on a broader scale, and we're thrilled about growing our partnership here in Charleston,” said Margaret Ann Youngs, development director of the Lung Association in South Carolina. “With the support of community partners like Gilchrist/Bissell Wealth Management of Raymond James, we are able to raise vital awareness and research funding to find a cure for lung cancer and save more lives. The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk beautifully exemplifies how our local businesses, healthcare systems, patients, caregivers and other community members unite for a cause they genuinely believe in.”

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk supports lifesaving research, local programs and advocacy for the more than 102,000 people in the Charleston area suffering from lung disease, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Here in South Carolina, it is estimated that more than 4,600 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, and more than 2,600 people will die from the disease.

However, there is hope. More Americans than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by nearly 40 percent in the last decade. Funding research, encouraging lung cancer screening and reducing stigma around the disease is the key to saving lives.

The Charleston LUNG FORCE Run/Walk kicks off at 9 a.m., with an 8 a.m. registration and late packet pick-up. For more information and to register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Charleston.

Raymond James was a sponsor of the Charleston LUNG FORCE Run/Walk for the American Lung Association. The American Lung Association is not affiliated with and does not endorse the people, products or services of Raymond James.