American Lung Association Celebrates Turquoise Takeover, Envisions World Free of Lung Cancer

The American Lung Association and its LUNG FORCE initiative is turning New York City turquoise during Turquoise Takeover (June 14-20) to raise awareness of the #1 cancer killer of women and men in the U.S. As a sign of hope, One World Trade Center, The Statue of Liberty’s Pedestal, One Five One (151 West 42nd Street in Times Square), and 1 Bryant Park will all 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 New York City turquoise to raise awareness of the fact that anyone can get lung cancer, and no one deserves it,” said American Lung Association executive director in metro New York, Carla Sterling. “We’re are 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.”

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.

During Turquoise Takeover the Lung Association is highlighting the inspirational stories of LUNG FORCE Heroes, those whose lives have been impacted by lung cancer, including Jaymie Bowles. Jaymie is a lung cancer survivor and is using her radio station WJMS where she is the owner and a host to promote the Walk. 

“Before my diagnosis, lung cancer wasn’t even on my radar. I was 32, and very active I never saw it coming —and that made it all much scarier,” Bowles said. “Now, I am happy to have my radio station WJMS serve as this year’s media s for the LUNG FORCE Walk so I can use as a platform  to tell my story—and that of so many others, because I want people to know that you don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer. And I want people to know they can fight back.  A diagnosis of lung cancer does not have to be the end of your life,” Bowles said. 

In addition to the local illuminations the American Lung Association in New York City is also currently engaged in raising funds for the first ever virtual LUNG FORCE Walk NYC on July 18.

Over the coming weeks, participants will raise critical funds and compete for prizes and incentives.  On Walk Day they will join the Opening Ceremony at 9:30 am on Zoom before heading out for a 1-mile work in their local neighborhood. Walkers are encouraged to share their stories and walk activities on the LUNG FORCE Walk NYC Facebook group for a chance to win additional prizes. Funds raised this year will also 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.

Bowles continued, “Our radio station will share stories from patients and caregivers leading up to the Walk.  Together, we have made important strides and rallied support for lung cancer education, awareness and research. However, there’s much work that remains, as only 8% of respondents to the American Lung Association’s Lung Health Barometer knew that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of women.”

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.