After Losing Sister to Lung Cancer, Local Woman Continues to Honor her Memory

Though Jill Lewaniak lost her sister Becky to lung cancer three years ago, she hasn’t slowed down in her commitment to honor her memory. She continues to advocate and support funding for life-saving lung cancer research and will walk with family and friends for the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk presented by Northwestern Medicine at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL on October 17.

“Becky was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at only 43 years-old even though she never smoked a day in her life,” said Lewaniak.

While Becky was living with lung cancer, she participated in two LUNG FORCE Walks with Jill and other family members and friends. This will be Jill’s third Walk for the Lung Association, and she is participating in what would’ve been a particular meaningful year for her sister.

“This walk is in honor of Becky and her spirit and what would have been her 50th birthday,” Lewaniak said.

Registration is open for the event, which invites individuals, families, groups of friends, and corporate teams to stroll, saunter, or power-walk through beautiful Cantigny Park for three miles.

“People should come out to Cantigny for the LUNG FORCE Walk to see the beautiful park and learn something about the Lung Association and donate if they can,” said Lewaniak. “I will continue walking in Becky's memory and hopefully someday lung cancer will be a thing of the past.”  

The safety of participants, staff and volunteers is always our number one priority, so we are continually monitoring local conditions that might affect the event. Everyone is encouraged to check our Walk website for the most up-to-date information leading up to the event.

Registration for the LUNG FORCE Walk is free and participants are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $100 to earn an event t-shirt. For more information, and to register, visit
LUNGFORCEWalk.org/Chicagoland.