Jacksonville Turns Turquoise for Lung Cancer Awareness During Turquoise Takeover

Next week, the American Lung Association in Florida is turning Jacksonville turquoise to raise awareness about lung cancer, honor those impacted and encourage residents to take action to help end the disease.

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration (May 5-11) unites America to stand together to end lung cancer. Each year, the American Lung Association turns the nation turquoise—the signature color of LUNG FORCE—by illuminating buildings and landmarks across the country, encouraging the public to wear turquoise and share their support on social media and highlighting the stories of those impacted by lung cancer to inspire hope and save lives.

Here in Jacksonville, the Mayo Clinic will turn turquoise on Thursday, May 8. Additionally, the following local businesses have organized giveback programs, with a portion of sales supporting the Lung Association’s mission to defeat lung cancer:

• Kendra Scott – Wednesday, May 7 from 5-7 p.m. for in store shopping and all day online with giveback code: GIVEBACK-JCWRW
• California Pizza Kitchen – Wednesday, May 7 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. for in store or pick up, mention American Lung Association

“This year, more than 18,500 Floridians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. But there is hope. Thanks to advancements in early detection, treatment and research, the five-year survival rate has improved by 44% over the past decade,” said Catherine Madaffari, M.D., member of the Lung Association’s North Florida Local Leadership Board and internist at Mayo Clinic. “As a physician and lung cancer survivor myself, I can’t overstate how critical raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research is. That’s why we’re encouraging our community to get involved in Turquoise Takeover.”

The American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

1. Join the Jacksonville LUNG FORCE Walk on Saturday, November 15 or create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
2. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
3. Get screened for lung cancer if you are eligible
4. Test your home for radon
5. Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer
6. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer

Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $32 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding its research commitment by 140%. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE is working to ensure that fewer people are diagnosed and those living with the disease live longer.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, with someone diagnosed approximately every two minutes in the U.S. Thankfully, survival rates have significantly increased, aided by improved early detection through screening and more than 65 new FDA-approved treatments since 2016.

To learn more and get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover, visit LUNGFORCE.org.