Local Virtual Fundraiser to Support COVID-19 Initiative

The American Lung Association in New York has shifted its annual LUNG FORCE Walk Westchester to a virtual event. The virtual fundraising event will take place on Saturday, June 20. Participants can join in fun activities leading up to the event and on the day of the virtual walk by sharing posts on the LUNG FORCE Facebook Group, writing inspiring messages to heroes, showing off their turquoise, playing games with kids, and much more! The day will end with participants walking 1 mile or more in their neighborhood.

Hundreds of registrants will also be fundraising to support life-saving lung disease research and the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative; a $25 million initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics.

The COVID-19 Action Initiative will be used to expand the Association’s ongoing respiratory research program, enhance key public health measures, and establish an advanced network to stop future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative will also work with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

“We’re grateful for the hundreds of participants that will participate in the virtual event in support of lung disease research. Now more than ever is when our community needs to come together, virtually, to end COVID-19, defeat lung cancer, COPD and other lung diseases. This is a way that we can do that right here in Westchester, NY” said Carla Sterling, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Metro New York.

The distance that each participant chooses can be completed on their own time and at the location of their choice. The Lung Association is providing participants with a list of potential local trails and parks in and around the Purchase, NY area. Every walker is encouraged to check local park openings and maintain social distancing. You can also log in your distance at home by climbing a staircase, using the treadmill or taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Local Trails and Parks to Consider:
White Plains: Delfino Park  Liberty Park 
Yonkers: Tibbetts Brook Park  Andrus Park  Lenoir Preserve 
Rye Brook and Port Chester: Crawford Park  Abendroth Park 
Putnam County:  Putnam Valley Town Park  Wonder Lake State Park 

To register please visit LUNGFORCE.org/westchester or contact Erica Masin at [email protected], 917-210-5647.  Please visit us on our LUNG FORCE Walk Westchester Facebook Group. Registered participants who raise $100 or more will receive a LUNG FORCE t-shirt!   

For media interested in speaking with a lung health expert or advocate, a LUNG FORCE hero or scheduling an interview and requesting images, contact Valerie Gleason at [email protected] or 717-971-1123.