Cooking Celebs to Kick-Off American Lung Association Virtual Education and Engagement Series During Lung Cancer Awareness Month

On November 12 at 6 p.m. EST, PBS-TV America’s Test Kitchen on-air gadget expert Lisa McManus and James Beard award-winning cookbook author Grace Young will take the virtual stage to raise money for the American Lung Association to help end lung cancer and all lung disease including COVID-19. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and a time of year when we bring much-needed attention to the #1 cancer killer of women and men in the U.S., with the goal of turning the tide against this devastating disease.

In the free, 90-minute virtual cooking demonstration, McManus will showcase innovative, time-saving gadgets from America’s Test Kitchen reviews, and Young will demo wok cooking and share a healthy recipe. The evening will include a lung health quiz and giveaways.

The cooking event is the first in the five-part Education and Engagement Series and is free and open to the public. Registration for the events is now open and registrants who make a donation are eligible to win prizes.

“People who live with lung diseases like asthma, lung cancer, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are at a high risk for severe complications from COVID-19. With nearly 27 million Americans living with lung disease it’s more important than ever to support lung health,” said Carla Sterling, American Lung Association Executive Director, New York Metro, Northern and Central NJ.  “We are excited to host a fun and educational event to share during this challenging time while raising funds to end lung disease as well as support our new COVID-19 Action Initiative.”

Money raised throughout the series of virtual events will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

“Having lost my mother to lung cancer, I know all too well how devastating this disease can be. I’m proud to work alongside the Lung Association’s community of survivors, families and advocates in their work to end lung disease once and for all,” said McManus.

“Sharing kitchen tips and a healthy wok cooking demonstration is a great way to virtually bring the community together for a fun and educational evening to help raise awareness and support the American Lung Association’s lifesaving mission to raise awareness and end all lung disease,” said Young.

Upcoming Education and Engagement Series events include: “Is it COVID-19, Asthma or the Flu?” in December, where you can learn the differences between these deadly respiratory diseases, how to protect yourself and find important resources; an interactive wine tasting event in February; “Climate Change and Impact on Lung Diseases” in April, where you'll hear from field experts about the hidden dangers of climate change; and “Meet our Funded Researchers” in June, where you’ll hear from Lung Association-funded researchers about their lifesaving work fueled by donor contributions. 

To register for the American Lung Association Education and Engagement Series Cooking Event and to learn more about the Series, visit action.lung.org/cooking event. To learn more about the American Lung Association visit Lung.org. To share on social media use hash tags #wok4lungs and #lunghealth.

For media interested in speaking with a lung health expert or advocate, event participants Lisa McManus or Grace Young, or to request image, contact Valerie Gleason at [email protected] or 717-971-1123. Downloadable McManus and Young photos and videos.

Photo credit: Grace Young