LUNG FORCE Sunset Soirée: Dancing with the Stars Shines a Spotlight on Lung Health

On Friday, May 15, the American Lung Association in Florida will host the 21st Annual LUNG FORCE Sunset Soirée: Dancing with the Stars with Title Sponsor Memorial Cancer Institute, and Presenting Sponsor, The Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation. The festivities will take place at the Sport of Kings Theater in the Village at Gulfsteam Park. This year’s event will once again bring glamour, glitter and high‑energy performances to one unforgettable evening where local community leaders trade the boardroom for the ballroom—all to support lung health.

Five local celebrity dancers have stepped up for the one‑of‑a‑kind competition. Funds raised support the American Lung Association’s mission to end lung cancer and lung disease through local programs, advocacy and groundbreaking research.

“The Sunset Soirée is more than a glamorous night on the dance floor—it’s a powerful celebration of community coming together for lung health,” said Dr. Glenn Singer, Co-Chair of the Sunset Soiree.

“Watching local leaders step into the spotlight and use their voices, platforms and passion to support this mission is truly inspiring. Nights like this help drive real progress toward a future free from lung cancer and lung disease,” added Dr. Caren Singer, fellow Co-Chair of the Sunset Soiree.

For the past 10 weeks, the celebrity dancers have trained alongside professional instructors from Fort Lauderdale Ballroom dance studio, rehearsing original ballroom routines that promise plenty of personality, polish and playful showmanship. The evening will culminate with live performances during the dinner program, where guests will vote to help crown the winner of the coveted 1st Place Spotlight Champion Award, powered by FPL

This year’s celebrity dancer lineup includes:

• Dr. Block – As Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Healthcare System, Dr. Block treats patients facing lung cancer, advanced lung disease, and complex thoracic conditions. He’s been dancing since he was a teenager, performing in high school productions, and is thrilled to return to the spotlight.
• Nisha Corbie – As a mom of three sons, including one with exercise-induced asthma, Nisha is on a mission to ensure families and communities have clear air to breathe. The Florida Power & Light engineer is not just dancing for a trophy, but for a future where children can run and play without fear of struggling to breathe. Every step she takes will honor her son’s courage and the memory of two uncles she lost to COPD. 
• Michael Garcia – A seasoned litigator representing clients across construction, health care, real estate, textiles, and government affairs. He’s dancing in celebration of the Turquoise Takeover movement he helped build and to shine a spotlight on the importance of early detection, lifesaving research and community action to help improve lung health across South Florida.
• Raina Hachet – As a Physician Assistant and growing up with asthma, Raina knows how precious breathing can be at any age. Her passion to advocate for clean air and fight the vaping epidemic is fueled by her being a mom of two and the wife of a firefighter who bravely serves the community while facing daily exposure to smoke and dangerous toxins that threaten his lung health.
• Chad Van Horn – A certified specialist in consumer and business bankruptcy law, Chad is the founding partner and managing attorney of Van Horn Law Group, P.A., a Fort Lauderdale–based bankruptcy and debt relief firm. Chad is especially proud to support the fight for a world free of lung disease and help build a healthier future for the next generation, as a new father to a baby girl.

Each celebrity dancer has committed to fundraising in support of lung health, proving that a little rhythm - and a lot of heart - can help drive real impact for the community.

In addition to dazzling dance performances, guests attending the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soirée will enjoy an evening filled with memorable moments and custom experiences, including:

• Signature, themed cocktails courtesy of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• A silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences including a 5-night African Safari, brought to you by AGS Wealth Management Group, by Raymond James
• Interactive photo opportunities and immersive activations by UKG
• A powerful mission-moment with a special Memorial Cancer Institute patient, highlighting the importance of lung health
• A tempting chance drawing presented by Hecker Dermatology
• And more surprises throughout the night!

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, claiming more lives each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In Florida alone, 2.8 million people are impacted by lung disease and funds raised at the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soirée will help fund lifesaving research, programs and advocacy to save lives.

For tickets and event details, visit LUNGFORCESunsetSoiree.org.

To request interviews please contact Janye Killelea via email at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

American Lung Association
2020 S. Andrews Avenue • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 • (954) 524-4657
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org