Local Woman Taking her Rare Form of Lung Cancer in Stride

Lisa Przybyla, from New Berlin, Wis., was diagnosed five years ago at age 50 with a rare form of lung cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but she hasn’t slowed down in her commitment to support lung health. She continues to raise awareness about and funding for life-saving lung cancer research and is a lead planner for the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk at the Milwaukee Zoo on October 3.

“I’m honored to serve on the LUNG FORCE Walk Committee again this year and be a part of this fun day for a great cause,” said Przybyla. “This will be my fifth Walk. I enjoy the energy and excitement that this event brings. People come together to help raise funds for lung diseases. It’s very inspiring.”

Przybyla has anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive lung cancer and soon after she was diagnosed, decided to participate in her first LUNG FORCE Walk at the Milwaukee Zoo in 2017 with her team, ALK Warriors. Since then, ALK Warriors have been a top fundraising team, with Przybyla attributing to a great support system that donates each year. In total, Przybyla has helped raise more than $12,000 for the Lung Association. She has also been involved in many opportunities as a LUNG FORCE Hero to share her story and advocate for research and early scanning of lung cancer to help others.

“I'm passionate about funding research for lung cancer,” Przybyla said. “I've learned that all you need is lungs to get lung cancer yet there is a real stigma surrounding it. I feel the stigma leads to less funding for research. We need to educate people more on this disease, so everyone is aware that it impacts both young and old people of all types of backgrounds.”

Registration is open for the event, which invites individuals, families, groups of friends, and corporate teams to stroll, saunter, or power-walk through the beautiful Zoo for one mile, but don’t wait because capacity is limited so save your spot early. 

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 LUNGFORCE.org/Milwaukee.