Rhode Islanders Unite to Fight Lung Disease at 11th Annual LUNG FORCE Walk on June 21

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The American Lung Association is working toward a future free of this deadly disease. In an effort to end lung cancer, the American Lung Association LUNG FORCE Walk Providence will take place at Roger Williams Park - Temple to Music on June 21, 2025.  This year’s event will also recognize Terrance Healey, MD, Radiologist, Rhode Island Medical Imaging as the medical honoree of the event. Dr. Healey is the Director of Thoracic Radiology at Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) and Rhode Island Hospital.

The LUNG FORCE Walk is a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness on outreach to vulnerable communities. 

Registration is now open at LUNGFORCE.org/Providence

“Thanks to the dedication of our LUNG FORCE Heroes, volunteers, and participants, we’re driving real change in the fight against lung cancer right here in Rhode Island. The Providence Walk alone has raised over a half-million-dollars for research, advocacy and awareness – and we are just getting started! Together, we’re turning progress into hope for families with lung cancer and lung disease.”

As the medical honoree, Dr. Healey will also give remarks at the event. He is being recognized for his commitment and dedicated work in the field of lung cancer screening, prevention, treatment, and research. He currently leads several clinical trials across all phases of drug development, in addition to his work in translational research in lung cancer, and he is deeply involved with several efforts to increase lung cancer screening in underserved populations throughout Rhode Island. 

Dr. Healey said, “I am honored to be the 2025 Medical Honoree for the Providence LUNG FORCE Walk. My family and I have attended the walk for many years, and this year I am honored to have an even bigger role. As the Director of Thoracic Radiology at both Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) and Rhode Island Hospital, I diagnose lung cancers every day. When I first started, I would often see lung cancers in later stages when it is harder to treat. Today, thanks to increasing access to lifesaving exams like CT lung cancer screenings, along with advancements in technology, we are able to catch lung cancers in their earliest stages when they are most treatable and can be cured. In fact, Rhode Island ranks number one in the country in screening rates and in survival rates. But, we have a long way to go to ensure that everyone who qualifies for these exams has one annually. Talk with your healthcare Provider to see if you may qualify for a CT lung cancer screening. It may save your life!” 
 
The LUNG FORCE 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 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.

Thank you to our local LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors, including Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Navigant Credit Union, Rhode Island Society for Respiratory Care, Rhode Island Medical Imaging, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, AstraZeneca, Smartwater and B101 & iHeart Radio.

For more information and to register for the Providence LUNG FORCE Walk, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Providence.