Foundation for Lung Cancer Awareness

Making a Difference in the Lives of People with Lung Cancer

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The Every Breath Counts Foundation hosted the third annual Walk, Run, Survive at the Ocean City Boardwalk in Ocean City on Sunday, November 13. Participants in the Walk, Run, Survive, including notable walker U.S. Congressman Frank LoBiondo, raised awareness and funding for lung cancer research and support programs in the Southern New Jersey Shore Area.

 “This event is truly a unique way for us to help beat lung cancer by recruiting support from our community with a fun social event,” said Lois Shohen-Brown, President of the Every Breath Counts Foundation and lung cancer survivor. “We know that to win the battle against lung cancer, we need love, camaraderie and caring supporters, which this event is all about. We are already looking forward to next year!”

 This year there will be an estimated 157,300 deaths from lung cancer (87,300 among men and 70,000 among women), accounting for around 28% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Atlantic and Cape May Counties have the highest incidences of lung cancer in the state of New Jersey.

 “Lung cancer kills more Americans each year than breast, prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. It is our mission to draw attention to lung cancer, and eventually change this statistic,” said Michele Gaguski MSN, RN, AOCN, CHPN, APN-C, Founder and Past President of the Every Breath Counts Foundation.

 Although lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in America, it receives only a small fraction of research funding compared to other cancers.

 Proceeds from the event support three lung-cancer focused organizations:

• The South Jersey Cancer Fund, directing funds to patients and families in the South Jersey Shore area affected by this disease
• The LUNGevity Foundation, the only foundation dedicated exclusively to funding lung cancer research
• The Lung Cancer Alliance, the only national non-profit organization dedicated to providing patient support and advocacy to those living with or at risk for the disease.

Runners and walkers organized at the Ocean City Civic center and had the opportunity to meet with one another as well as meet the Congressman prior to the race.