The American Lung Association is set to return to East Meadow for its 2nd Annual LUNG FORCE Walk Long Island, celebrating the local community, survivors, and families. The event will take place at Eisenhower Park on October 26. This year’s local medical honoree, Dr. Jeffrey Schneider, chief of medical oncology and hematology at NYU Langone Health’s Long Island campus in Mineola, emphasized the importance of prevention and cure for lung cancer. "We should never be satisfied until we can prevent or cure every case of lung cancer. Smoking cessation, early detection, coordinated multidisciplinary care and novel therapeutics are already promising that reality," he stated.
Registration for the walk is now open at LUNGFORCE.org/LongIsland. The event aims to raise critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives, and awareness. Participants can choose between a 1-mile or 3-mile route around the scenic park. The walk is supported by NYU Langone Health – Perlmutter Cancer Center, Paragon Management, PSEG Long Island, among other community partners.
The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Lung Association’s nationwide movement to defeat lung cancer—LUNG FORCE. Through education, advocacy, and research, LUNG FORCE strives to reduce diagnoses and extend lives affected by the disease. Additionally, the American Lung Association is celebrating its 120th anniversary since its founding in 1904.
Erica Masin, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in metro New York said: “Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers, participants and LUNG FORCE Heroes, we are truly making an impact on lung cancer in New York State. We are so proud that the LUNG FORCE Walk has returned to Long Island to help end lung cancer. Nationally, since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $30 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding our research commitment by 286%.”
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with someone diagnosed approximately every two minutes. However, survival rates have increased by over 50% in the past decade.
LUNG FORCE Walk events offer opportunities for friends, family members and company teams to support those with lung disease and lung cancer while enjoying physical activity together. Participation supports efforts to defeat lung cancer, improve air quality, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and families and eliminate tobacco use.
For more information or to register for the walk visit LUNGFORCE.org/LongIsland
