Cleveland Clinic Steps Up to Sponsor Walk to End Lung Disease

Cleveland Clinic has signed on as presenting sponsor of the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk for the 5th consecutive year. More than a thousand participants are expected to walk in the family-friendly event, which steps off at 9 a.m. at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Sunday, September 28th.

“We’re proud to partner again on this event with the American Lung Association,” said Dr. Andre Smith, pulmonary physician and program director of Cleveland Clinic’s Community Lung Health Program. “We’re excited to help bring the community together to raise awareness about lung disease and offer free health screenings and health information.”

Individuals, families and teams of walkers can wind their way along a 5K course that runs throughout the Cleveland Zoo or stroll down a shorter 1-mile route (1.6K).  As part of the event, attendees will also find breathing tests and other health screenings and information. In addition, there will be free coffee and snacks, plus smoothies and food from Beyond Juicery. 

“My mom was an incredible woman whose love, strength, and kindness shaped everyone around her. She had a heart that gave endlessly, a spirit that inspired, and a smile that could brighten any day,” said Shannon Danes, Team Captain of the Team Connie walking team participating in the walk. “Team Connie is proud to be a part of this year’s LUNG FORCE Walk to honor her memory and walk alongside those who need support. And a huge shout out to every doctor, nurse, and staff member at the Cleveland Clinic who cared for my mom- your care touches countless lives and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.”

Every two and a half minutes, someone in the U.S. learns that they have lung disease, and more than 1.8 million Ohioans have lung disease. Funds raised from the walk will help the Lung Association’s efforts to prevent lung disease through lifesaving research, education, and advocacy.

Registration for the walk is completely free. Check-in and registration begin at 8 a.m. on event day. The Walk kicks off at 9 a.m. and wraps up around 11 a.m.  Participants will also receive complimentary zoo admission and free parking for the event if they arrive by 9:30 a.m.

For more information and to register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Cleveland.