More than 150 people attended the 10th annual LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting, hosted by the American Lung Association in North Carolina on November 6 at Carmel Country Club. The event, presented by Novant Health, raised nearly $125,000 to support lung cancer research, early detection programs, and advocacy efforts.
Lauren Love, executive director for the Lung Association in North Carolina, stated: “Thank you to our guests, volunteers and corporate partners for making our 10th anniversary event an unforgettable night that has fueled our lifesaving mission. The funds we’ve raised will fund groundbreaking research into new cures and treatments, as well as programming and services to help people live healthier lives. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths both in North Carolina and nationwide. Every two minutes someone is diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. Increased awareness and improvements in detection and treatment have led to a survival rate increase of more than 44% over the past ten years; currently, the survival rate is nearly 30%. Ongoing funding for research and screening initiatives contributes to these positive trends.
The LUNG FORCE initiative brings together survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and advocates affected by lung cancer. The Turquoise Tasting event also recognizes community members who share their experiences and support lung health advocacy.
Sponsors for this year’s event included Novant Health as Turquoise Presenting Sponsor; AstraZeneca as Gold Sponsor; Mecklenburg Radiology Associates as Silver Sponsor; Providence Anesthesiology Associates, Rankin Wealth Management, Dickens Mitchener Real Estate, Novocure and Biodesix as Bronze Sponsors. The event also acknowledged its LUNG FORCE Cabinet members: McCay Manwaring, Juleidy Turnipseed, Sarah Neils, Madeline Hughes, Shawna Walker and Josephine Hauser.
Further details about the event are available at CharlotteTurquoiseTasting.org.
