Lung Association Launches First LUNG FORCE Walk on Long Island, Inviting Residents to Take Steps to End Lung Cancer on October 7, 2023

– Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths on Long Island – and throughout the U.S. In an effort to end lung cancer, the American Lung Association is launching its first ever LUNG FORCE Walk Long Island at Eisenhower Park on October 7, 2023.

LUNG FORCE initiative unites those impacted by lung cancer and their caregivers to stand together against lung cancer.  LUNG FORCE Walks happen all around the county as celebratory and welcoming events that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness. The New York City Walk, which took place in May, saw more than 1,000 people participate, raising over $275,000.

Registration for the Long Island event is open at LUNGFORCE.org/LongIsland

“The Long Island community has been deeply impacted by Lung Cancer, and many Long Island residents have joined us for events in Manhattan and the Hudson Valley. This year, we are proud to bring our LUNG FORCE walk right here to Eisenhower Park where more families impacted by lung disease are able to participate,” said Erica Masin, Executive Director at the Lung Association. “Today, more Americans than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade—but there is still so much work to be done. On October 7 Long Island residents will come together to lighten the burden for people living with lung disease, honor the memory of those we’ve lost, and lift up those who need our support.”

Nicole Sturiano, a resident of Ridge, New York and captain of Team Jeanine has helped raise over $50,000 and has participated in the New York City LUNG FORCE Walk since its inception in 2015.  She said, “My sister, Jeanine, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at only 42 years old. After just two years of fighting the toughest battle of her life, Jeanine passed away on December 1, 2015. Our team has been walking to carry on the legacy of my sister, to advance the effort to find a cure, and to bring awareness to lung cancer. I hope one day to see a world free of lung cancer so that no one has to suffer the way my sister did, and no one has to lose their loved one to lung cancer.”

The LUNG FORCE Walk is great for friends, family and company teams to come together to support people with lung disease and lung cancer, have fun and get some great exercise. Joining the 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.

For more information and to register for the Long Island LUNG FORCE Walk, visit LUNGFORCE.org/longisland.