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

American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE calls upon Ohioans to share their voices to defeat the number one cancer killer of women – lung cancer

OHIO (05/06/2016)(readMedia)-- Today, the American Lung Association in Ohio is supporting LUNG FORCE during National Women's Lung Health Week (May 8 – 14) with a variety of activities, including turning Cleveland's Terminal Tower turquoise on May 10 in an effort to raise awareness and defeat lung cancer in women. LUNG FORCE is a fast-growing initiative uniting the nation against lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women.

Every eight minutes, a woman in the United States will lose her battle with lung cancer, yet awareness is shockingly low, only 1 percent of women say that lung cancer is a top-of-mind cancer concern. However, the number of women dying from lung cancer has nearly doubled over the past 30 years.

LUNG FORCE is focused on driving more positive outcomes for the women and families whose lives have been forever changed as a result of a lung cancer diagnosis.

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

As part of the educational outreach of LUNG FORCE, the Lung Association is holding a breakfast for legislators in Columbus at the Ohio Statehouse on May 18.

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

• Walk: A LUNG FORCE Walk is scheduled in Cleveland on May 14 at Jacob's Pavilion at Nautica in the Flats; in Cincinnati on June 4 at VOA Park, and in Columbus on June 11 at Easton Town Center. To register, participate or help raise funds for the important work LUNG FORCE is doing in Ohio and nationwide, visit LUNGFORCE.org/runwalk or call 800-LUNG-USA to reach your local office.

• Share: Visit LUNGFORCE.org to turn your social media profiles turquoise or post a turquoise selfie, using the hashtag #ShareYourVoice and #LUNGFORCE. If lung cancer has touched your life or someone you love, please share your story at LUNGFORCE.org/tell-your-story

• Donate: Make a donation that supports the American Lung Association's investment in lung cancer research and public health promotion.

A number of area businesses are donating to the American Lung Association based on purchases during designated events. This includes Talbots in the Cleveland area at Legacy Village on May 24 from 5 to 8 pm and at Crocker Park on May 25 from 5 to 8 pm and in the Columbus area at Easton on May 12 from 6 to 8 pm. Also in the Columbus area are events at Athleta at Easton on May 15 from 6 to 9 pm and at Vineyard Vines on May 18 from 6 to 9 pm.

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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 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: Lung.org/Ohio