South Florida Turns Turquoise for Lung Cancer Action Week

Next week, the American Lung Association in Florida is turning South Florida turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease. The Lung Association is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of LUNG FORCE, a nationwide movement to end lung cancer.

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration (May 6-12) unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE, by illuminating buildings and landmarks across the U.S., encouraging the public to wear turquoise and post a selfie on social media, and by telling the stories of those impacted by lung cancer to raise awareness of the disease and save more lives.

“In 2024 alone, it is estimated that more than 18,500 Floridians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. But there is hope. We have seen incredible advancements in early diagnosis, treatment and survivorship from lung cancer. In fact, the five-year survival rate has increased by over 50% in the past decade,” said Andrea Eastaugh, member of the Lung Association’s South Florida Local Leadership Board. “Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer is more important than ever. We encourage our community to get involved in Lung Cancer Action Week.”

From now until June 30, all donations made to the American Lung Association in South Florida will be matched 1:1 up to $20,000 by local sponsors. This Matching Gift Challenge is designed to inspire community members to help support a better future for all patients living with lung cancer and their loved ones.

To help the American Lung Association unlock the full potential of this match, members of the community are invited to fundraise, bust out their turquoise and take part in any number of the many local engagement opportunities including: 

• Painting with a Turquoise Twist!, Monday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Marine Industries Association of South Florida. Sip, socialize and create your very own wood craft for a cause. Admission: $40. Register here.
• Yoga Class with Bright Drop Yoga, Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and a relaxing yoga experience. Network with other LUNG FORCE Ambassadors passionate about lung health. Complimentary hydration station and a post-yoga glass of champagne will be provided. “Living In Gratitude” will also be onsite selling apparel to support the cause as well. Yoga class is $15. Register here.
• Shop for a Cause, Friday, May 10, All Day. Enjoy an early summer shopping outing at any one of these local retailers and mention the Lung Association prior to your purchase, and a portion of sales will benefit the American Lung Association.
  • J.McLaughlin, 808 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
  • Lilly Pulitzer, both Las Olas and Boca Raton locations
    • 814 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
    • 6000 Glades Rd #1213A, Boca Raton, FL 33431
  • Robinson's Jewelers, 820 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
• LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree Kick-Off Party, Friday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Robinson’s Jewelers. Enjoy light bites and complimentary cocktails, and connect with event sponsors and key partners who are passionate about making a difference. Guests will receive a 15% discount. 20% of every purchase will be donated back to the American Lung Association. Admission: Free. Register here.
• Become a Turquoise Takeover Ambassador, Companies, friends & family members are invited to register and create their own personalized ambassador team page at TurquoiseTakeoverChallenge.org
• Illuminations, Keep your eyes open around town as several major landmarks and buildings will illuminate turquoise throughout the week including Memorial Cancer Institute East and West locations, Baptist Health Plantation and several Water Taxi illuminations on the water.

At the national level, the American Lung Association shares seven actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

1. Wear turquoise between May 6 and 12 and have conversations to raise awareness
2. Attend the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree, presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation, at the Addison Boca Raton on Friday, June 2 to benefit those affected by lung cancer
3. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
4. Get screened for lung cancer if you are eligible
5. Test your home for radon
6. Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer
7. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and about every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease. Thankfully, survival rates of lung cancer have significantly increased in the last 10 years. This encouraging trend has been aided by improved early detection of the disease through lung cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted in more than 50 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2016.

Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE is working to ensure that fewer people are diagnosed and those living with the disease live longer. Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $30 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding its research commitment by 286%.

Visit TurquoiseTakeoverChallenge.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to end lung cancer.

Thank you to our local Turquoise Takeover Challenge Sponsors, including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, We Florida Financial, Memorial Cancer Institute, Parents Choice Medical Daycare, Tarpon River Brewing and Florida Health. Thank you to our National Corporate Team Partner, Kindred Hospitals.