Nashville Lights Up Turquoise to Provide a Beacon of Hope to those with Lung Cancer, Lung Disease and COVID-19

The American Lung Association in Tennessee is turning Nashville turquoise during the LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover (June 14-20) to raise awareness of lung cancer as well as other lung diseases, including COVID-19. During June, community members are also raising money through the organization’s virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk.

As a sign of hope, landmarks in Nashville, including the AT&T Building, 5th3rd Bank Building, Korean Veterans Bridge, State Capital, Bridgestone Arena and the Metro Courthouse will be illuminated in turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. During this challenging time, it’s important for all those living with lung disease, including COVID-19 and lung cancer to feel hope, optimism, and support amidst the pandemic.

“This week we are turning Nashville turquoise to raise awareness of the fact that anyone can get lung cancer, and no one deserves it,” said Gail Frost, executive director of the Lung Association. “We’re proud to stand with those facing the disease, particularly during these difficult times and raise funds to support new treatments and better methods of early detection so that we can save more lives.”

During the full month of June, the Lung Association is hosting the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, a virtual fundraising event. Participants can run or walk one mile, a 5K, 10K, or a half marathon in one trip or can spread out their chosen distance over the entire month. Registration for the virtual event is $25. More information can be found at LUNGFORCE.org/Nashville.

Money raised at the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease. It will also support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, a $25 million 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.

Although lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among Americans, there has been a dramatic 28% improvement in the lung cancer survival rate over the past 10 years. This encouraging trend is aided by our support of early detection through lung cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted in 30 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S. FDA since 2016.

Facts about lung cancer:

• About every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told that she has lung cancer.
• One in 17 women will develop lung cancer in their lifetime.
• In the last 43 years, the lung cancer incidence rate among men has fallen 38% among men, while increasing 84% among women.
• Close to half of all women diagnosed with lung cancer will not even survive one year, and the five-year survival rate for women with lung cancer is only one in four.

During Turquoise Takeover the American Lung Association encourages everyone to get involved by wearing turquoise, turning their social media profiles turquoise and donating to support lifesaving research at LUNGFORCE.org.

As LUNG FORCE’s national presenting sponsor, CVS Health is committed to raising funds and support for lung cancer education, awareness and research. LUNG FORCE is grateful to CVS Health for more than five years in support of our efforts to defeat lung cancer.