OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | March 20, 2023
It’s all in memory of Nikki Steinman who passed away at age 37, just 7 short months after her diagnosis.
"I tell Nikki's story because I don't want people to forget her, and I also want people to know that if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. Anyone can get lung cancer at any age, and you don’t necessarily have to have symptoms,” Wendy said. "I hope that in my lifetime we will see a cure for this dreadful disease."
Nikki never had symptoms of lung cancer, even in her final days. And while Nikki is gone, those that care about her and love her are not. Nikki's passion for helping people lives on through Team Nikki, a group of dedicated heroes, championed by Wendy, set on raising awareness about lung cancer. And they've done just that.
“Reaching their $25,000 goal this year now puts them at a 10-year fundraising total of over $200,000. The climb team, which is led by Wendy, is usually made up of about 40 people,” said Terri Bailey, Executive Director of the Lung Association.
“Wendy and her team have made it their mission to honor Nikki by pouring their heart and soul into the Lung Association. I cannot overstate how important they are to our mission in Oklahoma.”
Sparks is a member of the Lung Association’s Local Leadership Board and also serves on the Regional Board. She has served as a LUNG FORCE Hero twice to advocate for lung cancer patients and the Lung Association; once she traveled to Washington DC; and once virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also one of the founding members of our Lung Cancer Support Group in Oklahoma.
Team Nikki will be among hundreds of people climbing to raise awareness and funds at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark this Saturday.
She is available for interviews about the climb, and you can contact James Martinez at [email protected] or (312) 445-2501 for requests.
For more information about the Oklahoma City Climb, and to register, visit ClimbOklahomacity.org
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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.
For more information, contact:
James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]
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