NEW YORK, NY | April 17, 2026
The American Lung Association in New York is inviting the New York City community to unite as one mighty force for lung health by participating in the LUNG FORCE Walk on May 16. The 12th annual event will take place at Pier 16, at the South Street Seaport.
This year, the event will recognize Dr. Catherine A. Shu, as our 2026 LUNG FORCE Walk Medical Honoree. As a distinguished medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of lung cancer at Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Shu values building connections to her patients as they navigate a crucial time in their lives while also working to bring new treatments to them.
The LUNG FORCE Walk New York City is a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving research, early detection initiatives, programs and services to help achieve a world free of lung cancer and lung disease. It is also an occasion to honor the memory of those we’ve lost to lung cancer and to lift up those who need our support. Participants will walk a 1-mile or 3-mile scenic route with stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and other iconic NYC landmarks.
Registration is now open at LUNGFORCE.org/nyc
“We are calling on our community to join us to help put an end to lung cancer and lung disease one step at a time,” said Erica Masin, Executive Director at the Lung Association. “We are so grateful for Dr. Shu’s contributions to the lung cancer community and especially her dedication to her patients. Thanks to leaders like her, we have seen the real-world impact of our education, research and advocacy efforts. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated participants, volunteers and sponsors, who make this event meaningful and a joyful success raising over $2.6 million since 2015.”
Dr. Shu said, “It is truly an honor to be recognized by the American Lung Association as the Medical Honoree for the LUNG FORCE Walk NYC 2026. I have devoted my career to the treatment of patients with lung cancer – this involves taking care of patients and their families, as well as leading clinical trials to help bring new treatment options and therapies to our patients as quickly as possible. I love what I do, and I am grateful to stand with this community today and every day. Events like LUNG FORCE help raise lung cancer awareness and crucial research funding. On May 16, I walk for all my patients and their families, and in remembrance of those who are no longer with us.”
Dr. Catherine Shu is the Price Family Associate Professor of Medicine and a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of thoracic cancers, with a focus on lung cancer. She received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, followed by her M.D. from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. After residency at NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Dr. Shu completed her fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she was appointed Chief Fellow. She currently serves as the Director of the Thoracic Medical Oncology Service.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York and across the U.S. Someone is diagnosed with the disease about every two minutes. But there is hope. More people are surviving lung cancer due to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment. The five-year survival rate has increased to nearly 30%, which is a 26% increase over the last five years. Funding research into new treatments and potential cures, raising awareness of lung cancer screening and reducing stigma around the disease are key to saving lives.
More information is available at lungforce.org/nyc
Thank you to our local LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors, including Cipla, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Weill Cornell Medicine, and Maimonides Health.
