American Lung Association Celebrates 10 Years of Hope at the LUNG FORCE Walk Pittsburgh on April 27

This year, the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania is celebrating 10 years of the LUNG FORCE Walk in Pittsburgh, and the incredible impact the event has had on the local community, survivors and families. The American Lung Association announced today UPMC is joining the 10th annual LUNG FORCE Walk Pittsburgh as the Presenting Sponsor. The event will take place at the North Park Boathouse on Saturday, April 27 with a fundraising goal of $85,000 for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness. Registration is open for the event at LUNGFORCE.org/pittsburgh.

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 can walk either a one mile or 5K scenic route at North Park Boathouse on April 27, 2024.

The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Lung Association’s 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, LUNG FORCE Heroes and sponsors like UPMC, we are truly making an impact on lung cancer in the Greater Pittsburgh area and across the Commonwealth. We are so proud that here in the Greater Pittsburgh area, the LUNG FORCE Walk has raised over $500,000 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 Steve Gillis, Development Director at the Lung Association in Pittsburgh.

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 in Pittsburgh. To learn more and register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Pittsburgh.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor UPMC and other local LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors, including AstraZeneca, Daiichi-Sankyo, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and Community Partners in Asthma Care.

In November 2023, we hosted our first annual Lung Cancer Survivor’s Luncheon, attended by 40 survivors and caregivers. We celebrated the improving survival rate, acknowledging the collective efforts that have contributed to increased awareness, better healthcare access, and advancements in research, including the Lung Association’s impact in supporting these endeavors. Funds from LUNG FORCE Walk Pittsburgh sustain these luncheons and support Pittsburgh lung cancer patients. Our 2024 luncheon is in development, set for November during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.