South Carolina Residents Raise $70,000 to Support Lung Health, Fund COVID-19 Initiative

On Saturday, November 14, residents headed outside to get active as a part of the American Lung Association in South Carolina’s virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk. The event raised almost $70,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease and support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative.

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is a fundraising event that included a 4-week training program, fun challenges leading up to the event and a virtual 5k Run/Walk on November 14. Previously, the event was held in Folly Beach, but was reimagined as a virtual experience to promote social distancing.

“Due to concerns surrounding the global pandemic, we quickly pivoted to a virtual event this year, but still saw a tremendous outpouring of support and participation from the local community,” said Rebecca Balitsaris, executive director for the Lung Association. “Thank you to all of our participants and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of people facing lung disease, lung cancer and COVID-19.”

Money raised at the Virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk funds the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is an investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

The event was sponsored by Atlantic Respiratory Services, Buckhannon Tile + Design, Select Health of South Carolina, Grace Outdoor, Truist Bank, and Vision Software Solutions.

For more information about the event and to donate, visit the South Carolina LUNG FORCE Run/Walk website.