American Lung Association in Ohio Turns Turquoise in Honor of National Women's Lung Health Week

CLEVELAND OH (05/12/2015)(readMedia)-- NOTE: Pictures of the illuminations are available from Mary.Combi@Lung.org

Today, the American Lung Association in Ohio is supporting LUNG FORCE during National Women's Lung Health Week (May 10th – 16th) by turning local landmarks turquoise in an effort to defeat lung cancer in women. LUNG FORCE is a movement launched by the American Lung Association to unite women against lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women.

In Cleveland, the Terminal Tower will be illuminated in turquoise tonight to show support for the cause. At Cedar Point in Sandusky, the Giant Wheel and Gatekeeper will be turquoise throughout the week.

Cleveland City Council presented a Resolution of Recognition at last night's council meeting for their Woman's Lung Health Week along with Mayor Jackson issuing a Proclamation. Accepting the proclamations was Barry Gottschalk, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Midland States which includes Ohio.

Every eight minutes, a woman in the United States dies of lung cancer. Yet, there is a disconnect in awareness. Only 1 percent of women cite lung cancer as a women's cancer that is top-of-mind for them, according to the American Lung Association's Women's Lung Health Barometer. (www.lungforce/barometer) However, lung cancer kills twice as many women as any other cancer.

The most important focus of this campaign, however, are the women and families whose lives have been forever changed as a result of a lung cancer diagnosis. The disease has personally affected Tara Hannum, who participated in last Saturday's LUNG FORCE Walk in Cleveland.

She explains how lung cancer has affected her life:

"I walked for those who can't. I walked for my mom, my grandfathers, my aunt, my friend's mother, my friend's father and all of those who could not walk because they are fighting for their life or no longer with us.

My mother, Janet Hannum, was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung cancer in November 2014. She went to work one day and hurt her back. A visit to the emergency room changed our lives. The diagnosis has been devastating to our family. We never expected it. She's a nonsmoker and had always been athletic and physically active.

My mom's story is the story of too many women out there. The trials and tribulations we have faced as a family are unfortunately too common for so many families. Participating in the Lung Force Walk has been a way of honoring my mom and acknowledging the battle she is fighting. It has also been a way to honor both of my grandfathers who have died from lung cancer. During the days leading up to the walk, I had the chance to meet many people who are fighting a battle with lung cancer or lung disease or have a family member that has/had lung cancer or lung disease. It has made me realize that my family is not alone in this fight. It has provided an opportunity for friends, family and co-workers to tell their stories and come together.

Lung Force has helped me feel that there is some power that we can take back from these awful diseases. My hope is that by participating in events such as Lung Force, the stigma around lung cancer will change, insurance companies will allow testing in order to detect lung cancer sooner and more attention will be paid to lung cancer and lung health in general. I pray that a cure will be found soon and I hope no other families have to experience the destruction that a lung cancer diagnosis brings. "

Now in its second year, LUNG FORCE is empowering women and men in northern Ohio to share their voice and make lung cancer a public health priority.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating our second annual Turquoise Takeover in northern Ohio with the illuminations," said Gottschalk. "Since launching LUNG FORCE last year, we've made great strides in spreading awareness among the Ohio community and I'm excited to see it all come to life this year."

CVS/pharmacy Launches In-Store Fundraising Campaign

Now through Saturday, May 23rd, CVS/pharmacy customers can support LUNG FORCE when they donate $1, $3, or more at the register or online at www.cvs.com/lung (all proceeds will support the movement). CVS Health is the National Presenting sponsor of LUNG FORCE.

Additional Ways to Share Your Voice

The American Lung Association and the American Lung Association in Ohio are asking Ohio residents to share their voices in the fight against lung cancer. Visit www.ohiolung.org to learn how to participate:

• SHARE: Share your voice on social media using the hashtag #ShareYourVoice and #LUNGFORCE or in one of the following ways:

o Turn your social media profiles turquoise or post a turquoise selfie, using the hashtag #ShareYourVoice and #LUNGFORCE. Like the LUNG FORCE Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LungForce?fref=ts) and follow LUNG FORCE on Twitter (https//twitter.com/lungforce)

o If lung cancer has touched your life or someone you love, please share your story at LUNGFORCE.org/share-your-story

o Tell your local Senators and Representatives to invest in lung cancer research at LUNGFORCE.org/take-action

• DONATE: A donation supports the American Lung Association's investment in lung cancer research and public health promotion, including early detection, clinical trials, biomarker testing and more federal research funding, as well as the overall mission of the American Lung Association.

###

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. 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-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: www.ohiolung.org

About LUNG FORCE

LUNG FORCE is a new national movement led by the American Lung Association to unite women against lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women. LUNG FORCE has three priorities: 1) Make lung cancer a cause that people care about – and act on; 2) Educate and empower patients and healthcare providers and 3) Raise critical funds for lung cancer research. The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE is nationally presented by CVS Health. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.

About CVS Health

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its 7,800 retail drugstores, nearly 1,000 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 70 million plan members, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable, effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at www.cvshealth.com.