This year marks my 10th anniversary with LUNG FORCE, and over the past decade, I've seen this incredible event grow exponentially. The Lung Association's mission has truly become my own, and each year it feels even more personal. This year, I'm participating and fundraising in honor of my friend, George Bresnihan, who passed away last month from interstitial lung disease (ILD).

George was the epitome of a public servant. After 21 years of service in the U.S. Navy, he went to work for Amoco Chemical Company for 15 years. I had the pleasure of working alongside George and his amazing wife, Maggie, at the Charleston Trident Urban League, where he served as Director of Housing after retiring from Amoco. George embodied justice and hope, dedicating his time to providing financial counseling, helping underserved families achieve stability, fighting housing inequalities, and offering resources for first-time homeownership. He was quick-witted, kind, and a true advocate for racial equality. George and Maggie quickly became family to me.

Last month, Maggie called to tell me George was in the hospital. He had been struggling to breathe and was put on oxygen. After tests and scans, his pulmonologist found severe scarring in his lungs and diagnosed him with ILD, a chronic disease that causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. George had been remarkably healthy for most of his 85 years, rarely sick beyond a mild cold. Suddenly, he was in the hospital, needing 40 liters of oxygen.

While no specific cause was identified for George’s ILD, the disease can stem from various factors, including genetics, certain medications, and exposure to hazardous materials—like asbestos and Agent Orange, both of which he was exposed to during his military service. Ten years ago, I left my role at the Urban League to join the American Lung Association, uncertain at the time if this mission would resonate with me in the same way. But over the years, I’ve come to love this work and the wonderful people who support and are touched by our cause, and I’ve seen the tangible, positive impact of our efforts and the funds we raise.

It feels sadly ironic that of all things, in George’s incredible 85 years of life, his cause of death was lung disease. This year, LUNG FORCE has a deeper significance for me than ever before. I’m fundraising to honor George and his powerful legacy, and to support Maggie and their family, who lost him all too suddenly. Every dollar raised supports new research, earlier detection, and improved treatments. This LUNG FORCE is for you, George!

To support my efforts, and to help save lives, you can donate or sign up as a participant of my team, Youngs' Lungs!