Why We Walk
We walk for people. For patients and their loved ones. For colleagues and neighbors. For everyone affected by lung disease. We walk because together we can defeat lung cancer and lung disease one step at a time.
What is a LUNG FORCE Hero?
LUNG FORCE Heroes are patients, caregivers, family, friends and co-workers of those who are impacted by lung cancer. Our Heroes share their powerful journeys — stories which help raise awareness and the research funding needed to defeat lung cancer for once and for all. Heroes may also be asked to speak at a LUNG FORCE Walk Kick-off event, LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day, Corporate Recruitment event and/or on Walk day.
If you're interested in becoming a LUNG FORCE Hero, please contact Steve Gillis for more information. We also invite you to Share Your Voice and read about other Heroes' experiences too. Everyone's story is unique, and we appreciate you getting involved and becoming a LUNG FORCE Hero!
Meet some of our LUNG FORCE Heroes
Milli W.'s Story
Christy F.'s Story
Melanie S.'s Story
LUNG FORCE Hero and Stage IV lung cancer survivor Mel Symoniak will be on site to share her story. Mel (pictured right) was diagnosed in 2021 at age 35, when her children were just two and four years old. In November 2023, she attended the Lung Association’s inaugural Lung Cancer Survivor Luncheon in Pittsburgh and was inspired to join her first LUNG FORCE Walk this year. She and her team wALKing with Mel have already raised $2,100 and still counting.
Support the fundraising efforts of someone participating in this event.
Make a donation by searching for a event participant using all or part of their first, last, team, or company name.