Northwestern Medicine Continues to Make Strides to Improve Lung Health in the Community

Northwestern Medicine has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the American Lung Association’s LUNGFORCE Walk for the eleventh consecutive year. The family-friendly event steps off in Wheaton’s Cantigny Park on Sunday October 20th.

“We’re proud to partner with the American Lung Association and we can’t think of a better organization or event in which to invest in our community,” said Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of thoracic surgery and director of the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute. “We’re excited to help bring the community together to raise awareness and funds for education and research to save lives. All while having fun and getting some exercise.”

The LUNGFORCE Walk will feature a 5K and 1.5-mile course through Cantigny Park. Participants will find a family health and resource fest including an “Ask the Expert” tent hosted by Northwestern Medicine. They’ll also find live music, a Kids Zone, flu shots and free dental kits at the walk and much more.

“We are very grateful to Northwestern Medicine for their support and partnership in our effort to support the local community and help save lives,” said Kristina Gromala, Development Manager of the Lung Association in Greater Chicago. “Our walk is a fantastic event for people to literally step up to help end lung disease.”

Every two and a half minutes, someone in this U.S. learns they have lung disease. More than 1.8 million Illinoisians, including over one million in Greater Chicago, have a lung disease.  Funds raised from the event will support the Lung Association’s efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through lifesaving research, education, and advocacy.

Registration for the LUNG FORCE Walk is free. For more information, and to register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Chicago.