Local Virtual Fundraiser to Support COVID-19 Initiative

The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania has shifted its 6th annual LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia, to a virtual event. The virtual fundraising event will take place from May 16 to June 20. Participants can join the pre-event Passport Challenges; then run or walk on June 20 for the Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk. Registrants are encouraged to share challenges and walk activities on the LUNG FORCE Facebook group page and @americanlungphl on Instagram.

Hundreds of registrants will also be fundraising to support life-saving lung disease research and the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative; a $25 million initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics.  

The COVID-19 Action Initiative will be used to expand the Association’s ongoing respiratory research program, enhance key public health measures, and establish an advanced network to stop future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative will also work with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies. 

“We’re grateful for the hundreds of participants that will participate in the virtual event in support of lung disease research. Now more than ever is when our community needs to come together, virtually, to end COVID-19 and defeat lung diseases. This is a way that we can do that right here in Philadelphia, PA” said Caroline Hutchinson, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Greater Philadelphia.  

Virtual event activities will kick off with the LUNG FORCE Passport Challenges (May 16-June 1), followed by a LUNG FORCE Education session (June 9), then Turquoise Takeover (June 14-20) and ending with the LUNG FORCE Walk on June 20. 

Virtual Passport Challenges:  
When registrants complete each of our five activities, they will have the opportunity to earn prizes. 

• Take A Stand, against lung cancer and advocate for lung health policies by contacting local legislatures.
• Raise Your Voice, help us spread the word about LUNG FORCE against lung cancer by sharing your story through social media, sponsored by Lung Health Solutions. 
• Breathe Deeper, learn more about our mission through virtual educational activities, sponsored by Penn Medicine. 
• Build Our Force, share with us on social media who your healthcare hero is and tag them or spread the word about LUNG FORCE through social media by turning yourself turquoise using materials you have at home or find a splash of turquoise on your daily walk. Sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
• Break A Sweat, Track 36 miles using the LUNG FORCE Walk - Philadelphia Strava Club from May 16- June 20th (one mile a day) in recognition of the 36 million people affected by lung disease.  Sponsored by Genentech.
• NEW Double Your Impact, in recognition of over 36 million Americans living with lung disease, all donations of $36 or more will be matched by our corporate donor, BDP International of up to $20,000. 

Join us live on Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for a LUNG FORCE Education Session: Bench to Bedside: How lung cancer research is impacting future care and treatments for patients brought to you by Fox Chase Cancer Center,  RSVP to [email protected] by noon on June 8 to submit questions and receive a link to the meeting.

Turquoise Takeover (June 14-19): In honor of those impacted by lung cancer, Boathouse Row in Philadelphia will partner with the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania to join landmarks across the country to turn turquoise, the LUNG FORCE signature color, on Monday June 16. The illuminations light up the night to show solidarity and raise awareness of the work that must still be done together to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung cancer and other lung diseases, including Covid-19.

Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk: Tune in via Webex on June 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and view a video montage of your Virtual Passport Challenges, hear from LUNG FORCE Heroes and kickoff your neighborhood walk.

Registration for the virtual event is free. Participants who raise a $ 100 by June 1 will be mailed a LUNG FORCE Walk t-shirt and swag from our sponsors. To register, or for more information about the LUNG FORCE Walk and Virtual Passport Challenges, visit LUNGFORCE.org/philadelphia. For event requests contact Joanna Kim at 610-268-9789 or [email protected].

Post your pictures and videos on social media using #LUNGFORCE, #BreatheDeeperChallenge, #HealthCareHero and #TurnTurquoise.

For media interested in speaking with a lung health expert or advocate, a LUNG FORCE hero or scheduling an interview and requesting images, contact Valerie Gleason at [email protected] or 717-971-1123.