FPL ‘Light the Way’ Procession Honors Six South Floridians Impacted by Lung Cancer

On Saturday, June 4, the American Lung Association in South Florida will honor six residents who have been impacted by lung cancer with the “Light the Way” Luminary Procession Powered by FPL. This is part of the Memorial Cancer Institute LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation.

“The ‘Light the Way’ Luminary Procession powered by FPL is an integral part of the Sunset Soiree. It is an opportunity for us to recognize the true stars of the event – those who have been directly impacted by lung cancer, who we call LUNG FORCE Heroes,” said Juliet Roulhac, Director of Corporate External Affairs at Florida Power & Light Company. “Six LUNG FORCE Heroes will be honored during the program with a special video tribute to spotlight their personal story. All attendees of the event will be given a turquoise paddle to illuminate during the procession.”

For the 2022 Sunset Soiree, the following LUNG FORCE Heroes will be honored: 

• Lori Adelson: Six years ago, Adelson lost her mother to lung cancer. Her mother was a fighter, but lung cancer fought back, and when it returned for a second time, we were told she’d have 5-8 years to live, but unfortunately that timeline would never come to fruition. Adelson strives to make lung cancer a cause people care about, to help drive policy change and increase research funding.

• Dawn D'Onofrio: On May 3, 2009, D’Onofrio’s mother, Kaffie Hervey, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Just over a month later on her 68th birthday, her mom lost her battle with this horrific disease. In 2018 D’Onorfrio attend the Sunset Soiree and was inspired that she later joined the event committee and now serves as a Co-Chair of the Silent Auction Committee.

• Andrea Eastaugh: Eastaugh’s mother was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and just three months later she passed away. After losing her mother, Eastaugh knew she wanted to do more in the community to promote lung health and drive awareness to this important cause.  Eastaugh continues to serve as a Sunset Soiree Committee member and works to generate awareness and raise funds for this devastating disease. 

• Stacey Eisdorfer: In October of 2019, Eisdorfer’s life was changed forever when she was diagnosed with lung cancer at just 60 years old. She had a lobectomy followed by four months of chemotherapy and is now in remission. She is passionate about raising awareness about lung cancer screening and is living proof of early detection. 

• Sharon Klein: In 1974, Klein’s mother passed away from lung cancer after a valiant 18-month battle.  While hospitalized, Klein’s mother was an inspiration to so many as she would visit other patients encouraging them to keep fighting. Klein honors her mother as a LUNG FORCE hero and strives to motivate others to support the Lung Association to help fund advanced treatments, and medical research and promote screenings.

• Riley Burke: June Ross Burke, wife to Kevin, mother to Courtney and Danny, and stepmother to Patrick and Riley, was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in October of 2018 after having a routine wellness check. She is a living example of the effectiveness of early screening that can save so many lives. For this reason, Riley supports the LUNG FORCE campaign and is committed to raising awareness and critical funds to amplify & advance lung cancer screening options.

Read more about their stories and donate to lung cancer research in honor of a LUNG FORCE Hero here. 

The Sunset Soiree is the premier luxury lifestyle event of the season designed to raise awareness, education, and critical funding to end lung cancer. The event will take place on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. This year’s event is sponsored by Memorial Cancer Institute and presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation. For tickets or more information about the event, visit www.LUNGFORCESunsetSoiree.org. 

To donate an item to be featured in the online silent auction, and potentially seen by over 42k+ community members, visit: American Lung Association in Florida - 2022 LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree (bidpal.net)

This year’s event is sponsored by Memorial Cancer Institute and presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation. Additional sponsors at the time of this release include Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Kelley / Uustal, Florida Power & Light, HR Law PRO, Ginsberg Shulman Attorneys at Law, UKG, Fever Tree, Ocean Drive Magazine, Irie Music Group & Irie Foundation, Audacy, North Broward Radiologists, The Bungalow Bazaar, Hecker Dermatology Group, Parent’s Choice Medical Daycare.