LOCAL Virtual Fundraiser to Support COVID-19 Initiative

The American Lung Association in Rhode Island has shifted its annual LUNG FORCE Walk Providence to a virtual fundraising event. Participants are encouraged to engage in a physical activity of their choice including walking, running, hiking or biking from June 1 to June 30. Walkers can join in fun activities for the whole family and are encouraged to register for the 2020 LUNG FORCE Virtual Walk: Providence on the Strava app for a chance to win prizes and stay active from home.

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. This is a way that we can do that right here in Rhode Island,” said Karen Whitefield, executive director of the Lung Association in Rhode Island.

In order to make this year’s event as interactive as possible, the Lung Association created a LUNG FORCE Walk Providence 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 Providence 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.

Registered participants will receive a digital, customizable Walk bib to wear during their virtual walk to show their support.

Event sponsors are: Rhode Island Medical Imaging, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, WJAR NBC 10, iHeart Radio & B101.

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/providence. For questions or additional event information, contact Cori Dubie O'Connor at (401)-533-5177 or at [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 Jennifer Solomon at 516-680-8927 or [email protected]