American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk Hudson Valley To Honor Local Thoracic Surgeon on June 15

This year, the American Lung Association in New York is celebrating 9 years of the LUNG FORCE Walk Hudson Valley, and the incredible impact the event has had on the local community, survivors and families. The LUNG FORCE Walk will once again take place at Manhattanville College on June 15.  This year’s local medical honoree, Dr. Darren Rohan, is Westchester Regional Director of Thoracic Surgery for Northwell Health.  Dr. Rohan has been involved with LUNG FORCE since its expansion to the Hudson Valley 9 years ago and is a leading voice for lung health in the community. 

The LUNG FORCE Walk is a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives, and awareness. For the event, participants will walk a 1-mile or 2-mile route around the scenic campus. The LUNG FORCE Walk Hudson Valley is supported by silver sponsor Northwell Health, hero and champion sponsor White Plains Hospital, and mission sponsor Hudson Valley Radon.

The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Lung Association’s nationwide movement to defeat lung cancer—LUNG FORCE. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE is working to ensure that fewer people are diagnosed and those living with the disease live longer. In 2024, the American Lung Association is also celebrating 120 years of impact, since the organization’s founding in 1904.

“Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers, participants and LUNG FORCE Heroes, we are truly making an impact on lung cancer in New York State. We are so proud that here in the Hudson Valley, the LUNG FORCE Walk has raised over $830,000 to help end lung cancer. Nationally, since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $30 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding our research commitment by 286%,” said Erica Masin, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in metro New York.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among people in the U.S. and someone is diagnosed with the disease about every two minutes. But there is hope! More people than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by over 50% in the past decade. 

LUNG FORCE Walk events are great for friends, family and company teams to come together 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.

The Lung Association encourages people across the country to get involved in a LUNG FORCE Walk. To learn more and register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/HudsonValley