Why We Walk

When I was 6, my grandfather died of lung cancer. I remember him coughing and being so incredibly thin. I was young, I barely understood what was happening. And since then, I have lost so many others to this devastating disease. I want to ensure that no one ever has to lose a loved one from lung cancer. And that's why I walk with the American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE.

The five-year survival rate – the rate of people who are still alive five years after being diagnosed with lung cancer – is now nearly 23%, but that number is still too low. I walk to raise awareness of the #1 cancer killer. I walk to raise funds for lung cancer research that will lead to the development of lifesaving treatments. I walk so that we can improve the health inequities facing communities of color that are disproportionally impacted by lung disease. And I walk in support of our LUNG FORCE Heroes, whose strength inspires me to keep going and to keep working toward our mission of a world without lung disease.