Orlando Takes Steps to End Lung Cancer at LUNG FORCE Run/Walk on May 4

Members of the Orlando community are once again teaming up with the American Lung Association in Florida to help defeat lung cancer and lung disease one step at a time. The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, May 4, at Baldwin Park. The family-friendly event, presented by AdventHealth, is known for its celebratory and welcoming atmosphere.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the family-friendly event, which has raised more than $675,000 in total for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness outreach in vulnerable communities.

More than 490,000 people in the Orlando area suffer from lung disease, including lung cancer, COPD and asthma. Nearly 18,600 Floridians are estimated to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, and more than 10,200 deaths from lung cancer are predicted.

“While lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., there is hope. More Americans like me are surviving lung cancer than ever before. In fact, the survival rate has increased by nearly 40 percent in the last decade,” said Debra Smith, LUNG FORCE Run/Walk Cabinet member and Stage IV lung cancer survivor. “Funding research, promoting lung cancer screening and reducing stigma around the disease is the key to unlocking a future free of lung cancer.”

Smith added: “I’m encouraging the community to support the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk and help get us closer to a cure. Our lives depend on it.”

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is great for friends, family and company teams to come together to support people with lung disease and lung cancer, have fun and get some great exercise. Joining the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk supports the work of the American Lung Association to defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.

For more information and to register for the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk on May 4, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Orlando.