Orlando Community Unites Against Lung Cancer, Raising $120K at LUNG FORCE Run/Walk

This morning, nearly 375 lung health advocates from across the Orlando area laced up their sneakers to stomp out lung cancer at the American Lung Association in Florida’s 11th annual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, presented by AdventHealth. The event took place at Baldwin Park. Participants raised more than $120,000, and counting, to support the Lung Association’s mission to end lung cancer and lung disease. The event was the second-highest-grossing event in Central Florida.

“Every two minutes, a person in the U.S. learns they have lung cancer. But there is hope. Thanks to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment, the survival rate has increased by 44% in the past decade,” said Andrew Irvin, Esq., member of the Lung Association’s Central Florida Leadership Board and managing partner, Irvin & Irvin PLLC. “Thank you to our community, volunteers and sponsors for coming together as one mighty force against lung cancer. The funds we’ve raised will go directly towards lifesaving research, programming and advocacy to end this devastating disease.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Anyone can get this disease. More than 18,500 Floridians are estimated to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone. Lung cancer screening is key to saving lives because it detects lung cancer early when it is more likely to be curable. Yet only 2.4 % of high-risk Floridians were screened. Take the 2-minute quiz at SavedByTheScan.org.

LUNG FORCE is an initiative that unites those impacted by lung cancer, including survivors, caregivers and loved ones. The Orlando LUNG FORCE Run/Walk provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness outreach in vulnerable communities. The event also serves to highlight the stories and lung health advocacy of community members as they make their stand against lung cancer.

Thank you to AdventHealth for serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk. Thank you to our local sponsors, including Irvin & Irvin, Natera and Orlando Health. Thank you to our National Corporate Team Partner, Kindred Hospitals.

For more information and to donate, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Orlando.