LOCAL Virtual Fundraiser to Support COVID-19 Initiative

The American Lung Association in New York City has shifted its annual LUNG FORCE Walk NYC to a virtual fundraising event. Participants engage in a physical activity of their choice including walking, running, hiking or biking now through July 18, when the event will conclude with a live virtual celebration. Walkers are encouraged to share their stories and walk activities on the LUNG FORCE Walk NYC Facebook group for a chance 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 prevent future respiratory virus pandemics.

The COVID-19 Action Initiative will be used to expand the Lung 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, lung cancer and all lung disease. This is a way that we can do that right here in New York,” said Carla Sterling, executive director of the Lung Association in metro New York.

In order to make this year’s event as interactive as possible, the Lung Association will be utilizing the LUNG FORCE Walk NYC Facebook group to celebrate participants, milestones and LUNG FORCE Hero stories. The distance that each registrant chooses can be completed on their own time and at the location of their choice. 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 are invited and encouraged to attend the live virtual event on Saturday July 18th, which will include activities like Lung Health Trivia, a Raise your Voice Challenge, a Turquoise Takeover event for social media, live yoga and more.

Event sponsors are: Maimonides Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical center, WJMS, AstraZeneca, O2 Concepts

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/hartford. For questions or additional event information, contact Emily Bauer at [email protected]