LOCAL Virtual Fundraiser to Support COVID-19 Initiative

The American Lung Association in Massachusetts has shifted its 6th annual LUNG FORCE Walk Boston to a virtual fundraising event due to the threat of coronavirus. Participants are encouraged to engage in a physical activity of their choice (including walking, running, hiking or biking) from May 15 to June 30. Walkers can join in fun activities for the whole family, including the “Roar for Lungs” challenge, and post on the LUNG FORCE Walk Boston Facebook page and share on social to win prizes.

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 join us for 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. This is a way that we can do that right here in Massachusetts,” said Karen Whitefield, executive director of the Lung Association in Massachusetts.

“Roar for Lungs” and More: This year’s walk was to be held at the Franklin Park Zoo and inspired our “Roar for Lungs” virtual challenge activities. Lions show power to their pride by the sound of their roar. You can hear the lions’ roar by visiting the Franklin Park Zoo Facebook page, then show us your LUNG FORCE by giving a roar!  We are encouraging Walk participants to raise their voices and roar to help defeat lung disease. Share your roar, or your cub’s or pride roars for lung health on social at #RoarForlungs, #ShowUsYourRoar, #LUNGFORCE, #ALAZooBoston, #ONEBreatheONEFORCE #WalkAgainstCOVID and #LUNGFORCEWalkBoston.

Other Franklin Park Zoo inspired LUNG FORCE Walk activities include animal mask cut-outs, peacocking in LUNG FORCE turquoise blue, building an animal habitat and more. For information on activities and prizes visit LUNGFORCE.org/boston.

LUNG FORCE Walk: In order to make this year’s event as interactive as possible, we’ve also created a LUNG FORCE Walk Boston Strava Club, a free application you can download on your smart phone and track your miles in support of the American Lung Association. The distance that each registrant 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 Boston area available here. 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.

Registered participants will receive a digital, customizable Walk bib to wear during their virtual walk to show support. All participants who register and send proof of completion will receive an official 2020 LUNG FORCE Walk medal post-race.

The LUNG FORCE Walk Boston local sponsors are RadonAway and Magic 106.7. National event sponsors are CVS Health, and Kindred Healthcare.

REGISTRATION:  Participation is free. However, LUNG FORCE Walk is a fundraising event and all participants are encouraged to raise donations to support lung disease research including the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, and early detection, advocacy, education and awareness for lung cancer. All participants to raise or donate $100 or more receive an Official LUNG FORCE Walk t-shirt. To register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/boston. For questions or additional event information, contact Sarah Feldman at 781-314-9006 or [email protected]. 

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.