South Florida Turns Turquoise for Lung Cancer Awareness; Spirit Week Activities Announced

Next week, the American Lung Association in Florida is turning South Florida 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 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 South Florida, the Lung Association is illuminating Allied Kitchen and Bath, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Water Taxi, Village at Gulfstream Park, and Memorial Cancer Institute. In addition, the City of North Lauderdale and the City of Pembroke Pines declared proclamations for Lung Cancer Action Week, encouraging residents to learn more about lung cancer, risk factors and early detection and take action.

“In 2025 alone, it is estimated that more than 18,500 Floridians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. But there is hope,” said Violet Nikolici Lowrey, LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover Co-Chair and member of the Lung Association’s South Florida Leadership Board. “Thanks to advancements in early detection, treatment and research, the five-year survival rate has improved by 44% over the past decade."

“Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research is more important than ever,” said Oneida McEachin, Turquoise Takeover Co-Chair and Director of Operations at Memorial Cancer Institute. “We encourage our community to get involved in Turquoise Takeover and join our South Florida Spirit Week activities.”

From now until June 30, all donations made to the American Lung Association in South Florida will be matched 1:1 up to $20,500 by local sponsors. This Matching Gift Challenge is designed to inspire community members to help support a better future for all patients living with lung cancer and their loved ones.

To help the American Lung Association unlock the full potential of this match, members of the community are invited to fundraise, don turquoise and join us for South Florida Spirit Week activities including: 

• Turquoise @ Toro - Cinco De Mayo Event – Monday, May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Kick off Turquoise Takeover Week with a special Cinco de Mayo themed celebration at Toro Latin Kitchen and Tequila Library in Dania! Minimum $30 donation includes a guided tequila tasting, open bar, food, prizes and more. Register here.
• Breathe Easy Yoga with Bright Drop Yoga – Tuesday, May 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing yoga experience and complimentary fruit & champagne, at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s oceanfront property $15 minimum donation. Register here.
• Painting with a Turquoise Twist – Wednesday, May 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Marine Industries Association of South Florida. Sip, socialize and create your very own turquoise wood craft for a cause. $40 minimum donation includes guided art class, wine and refreshments. Register here.
• Community Connections: Latest in Lung Cancer Trials – Thursday, May 8 at noon. South Florida oncologist, Dr. Luis E. Raez, will discuss advances in research, therapies and surgical interventions, with a Q&A portion. Sponsored by Memorial Cancer Institute. Tune in on Facebook Live @LungSoFla.
• Shop for a Cause Day – Friday, May 9. Enjoy an early summer shopping outing at any one of these local retailers and mention the Lung Association prior to your purchase, and a portion of sales will benefit the American Lung Association.
  • Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale (concession purchases)
  • J.McLaughlin, 808 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
  • Lilly Pulitzer, 814 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
  • Lilly Pulitzer, Town Center at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Rd #1213A, Boca Raton, FL 33431
  • Kendra Scott: 406 SW 145th Terrace, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
• Share the Square Saturday – Saturday, May 10. Raise awareness of lung cancer screening and early detection with this social campaign, presented by Cleveland Clinic Florida. Use #SharetheSquareCCF.
• Mother’s Day Turquoise Tribute – Sunday, May 11. Honor a special loved one impacted by lung disease or lung cancer. Tag us @LungSoFla, and use #MothersDayTurquoiseTribute.

At the national level, the American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

1. Join a local event, like the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree on Friday May 30, 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.

Visit TurquoiseTakeoverChallenge.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to end lung cancer.

Thank you to our local Turquoise Takeover Challenge Sponsors, including Audacy, Cleveland Clinic South Florida, Johnson & Johnson, Memorial Cancer Institute and Parent’s Choice Medical Daycare. Thank you to our National Corporate Team Partner, Kindred Hospitals.