American Lung Association in Kentucky Joins in Nationwide Launch of LUNG FORCE,

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LUNG FORCE

LOUISVILLE KY (05/13/2014)(readMedia)-- .

CVS Caremark signs on as national presenting sponsor to raise awareness of the #1 cancer killer of women

Today the American Lung Association in Kentucky joined forces with Lung Associations across the country and national presenting sponsor, CVS Caremark, to launch LUNG FORCE, a new initiative to make lung cancer in women a public health priority, drive policy change and increase research funding.

Why LUNG FORCE?

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women, killing almost twice as many women as any other cancer. In fact, statistics show that fewer than half of all women diagnosed with lung cancer survive one year after diagnosis. The fact is that anyone can get lung cancer - including women who don't currently smoke or who have successfully quit smoking.

Yet, according to new research from the American Lung Association's Women's Lung Health Barometer, only 1 percent of women identify lung cancer as a cancer that is top-of-mind for them.

"The startling statistics uncovered through the Barometer point to a lack of awareness and sense of urgency among women and underscores the need to change our thinking about this disease," said Barry Gottschalk, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Midland States – which serves Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan. "Women need to know the facts about lung cancer, to raise their voices and to rally their friends and family members to make lung cancer a public health priority. That is why today we are launching Lung Force, a new national movement to rally and unite women in the fight against lung cancer and for lung health."

Local Emphasis

As part of this week's launch, the American Lung Association in Kentucky is mobilizing a Turquoise Takeover for Louisville. Starting last night, various public structures have been bathed in turquoise light to draw attention to this important issue. The special lighting will continue throughout the week.

Those structures are: the Big Four Bridge; the Kentucky Center for the Arts; and the LG&E Center.

In addition, both Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer have proclaimed this as Women's Lung Health Week in recognition of the importance of LUNG FORCE

Join the Kick-Off Events

Everyone is welcome to join the official local kick-off tonight (May 13) at the Bristol Bar & Grille on Main Street in downtown Louisville starting at 6:30 pm. Admission is free.

During the event, Sally Gettelfinger, a volunteer and lung cancer survivor, will share her experiences; the Bristol will be offering turquoise drinks with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Lung Association both during the kick-off and throughout the week; and the Louisville Fire Department will light the sky with turquoise search lights at dusk.

On Friday (May 16), you can celebrate the LUNG FORCE launch at a Music Fest at Mike Linnig's from 3:30 to 11 pm. There will be karaoke, LUNG FORCE Turquoise items for sale (pinwheels, beaded bracelets, etc.) and a booth with information on Women's Lung Health and the Fight for Air Walk.

Through locally-based and nationwide efforts, LUNG FORCE will educate and empower patients and healthcare providers, focus public policy on addressing the disease and its causes, and raise critical funds for research into better detection and targeted treatments for lung cancer.

In addition to participating in Turquoise Takeover activities, local residents can learn more about LUNG FORCE by registering for and participating in the upcoming Fight for Air Walk, scheduled for June 7 at Louisville's Iroquois Park to help raise funds for the important work LUNG FORCE and the American Lung Association are doing in Kentucky and nationwide. Visit www.kylung.org to learn more.

For more information on how to spread the word and follow the movement visit LUNGFORCE.org.

About The Women's Lung Health Barometer

The Women's Lung Health Barometer Study was fielded online by Edelman Berland in January 2014 and included 1007 women in the U.S., ages 18+. The data was weighted to be nationally representative on age, region and race/ethnicity. The margin of error is ±3.0%. Edelman Berland is a global, full-service market research firm that provides corporate, non-profit and government clients with strategic intelligence to make their communications and engagements with stakeholders the smartest they can be. The firm specializes in qualitative and quantitative research, measurement, tracking and analysis in reputation, branding and communications.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.

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