LUNG FORCE Walk Hartford Raises Awareness for Lung Cancer

The Annual LUNG FORCE Walk Hartford was attended by over 250 people on Sunday, June 2, 2019, and raised nearly $60,000 for lung cancer research, advocacy, education and awareness. The 2.5 mile walk across around Great River Park was kicked off by a welcome program, honoring local LUNG FORCE Heroes, survivors, advocates and families.

“So many families in Connecticut know first hand the devastation caused by lung cancer - and our LUNG FORCE Walk is an important way to show them that they are not alone,” said Anthony Meliso, Development Director for the American Lung Association in Connecticut. “1 in 17 American women will get lung cancer in her lifetime – and that is so much more than a statistic in this community – it represents our friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. The LUNG FORCE campaign is an opportunity to educate people about lung cancer and save lives.”

Today, lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both men and women in the United States. 1 in 17 American women will get lung cancer in her lifetime and half of all women diagnosed with lung cancer will not even survive one year. The LUNG FORCE walk Hartford is part of the national LUNG FORCE campaign, which raises funds for research, early detection, advocacy, education and awareness for lung cancer, particularly awareness about the high rate of lung cancer in women. The family friendly event featured educational “Mission Tents,” food trucks, music, and children’s activities.

Dr. David Hill, Chair of the Lung Association’s Northeast Regional Board, and physician with Waterbury Pulmonary Group was among the speakers at the event and led his own team on the walk route. He said, “Every person, family and team that shows up to this event helps us do lifesaving work. As a pulmonologist in Connecticut I see so many lives impacted by lung cancer. This event is a vital source of support and hope for those that have survived or are currently undergoing treatment - and it’s an incredible way to drive awareness for anyone who might need a push to speak to their doctor about this often invisible disease.”

Over the past five years the LUNG FORCE campaign has funded $12.5 million in lung cancer research, and $5 million in increasing public health awareness around the prevention of lung disease. In addition, LUNG FORCE has helped secure a 69% increase in National Institutes of Health lung cancer research funding, which has led to an unprecedented 22 (and counting!) new FDA approved treatments for lung cancer patients since 2016.