The American Lung Association in Connecticut celebrated the 9th annual LUNG FORCE Walk in Hartford, raising over $50,000 for lung cancer research and awareness. The event honored Dr. Mark Godfrey, Director of Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology at Hartford Hospital, as its inaugural medical honoree for his contributions to lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.
Participants walked a 2-mile route at Great River Park on June 1, aiming to support the association's mission to save lives through early detection initiatives and research funding. "Our volunteers, participants and LUNG FORCE Heroes continue to show up in Connecticut," said Daniel Bowler, Executive Director at the Lung Association. "We are so excited to honor Dr. Godfrey this year for his incredible work with individuals and families dealing with lung cancer."
Dr. Godfrey expressed gratitude for the recognition: “It’s an honor to be recognized by the American Lung Association at their annual LUNG FORCE Event in Hartford. The funds and awareness raised by this event help ensure that we are screening more people each year and having the opportunity to save lives from lung cancer.”
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative aimed at defeating lung cancer through education, advocacy, and research. Additionally, 2024 is the 120th anniversary of the American Lung Association since its founding in 1904.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with someone diagnosed every two minutes. However, survival rates have increased by over 50% in the past decade.
The association encourages nationwide participation in LUNG FORCE Walks to further their mission. For more information or to register for an event, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Hartford.
This year's Hartford LUNG FORCE Walk was sponsored by Wells Fargo as presenting sponsor along with Trinity Health of New England, KIA of East Hartford, Jefferson Radiology, National Healthcare Associates Inc., Nuvance Health, Waterbury Pulmonary Associates, Lane Valente Group Inc., and Genentech.
