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

CHATTANOOGA TN (05/06/2016)(readMedia)-- Today, the American Lung Association in Tennessee is supporting LUNG FORCE during National Women's Lung Health Week (May 8 – 14) by turning local landmarks turquoise 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.

In Chattanooga, the following local landmarks will be illuminated in turquoise in honor of National Women's Lung Health Week: Tennessee Museum, Liberty Towers, and the waterfall at Rock City

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.

Join the celebration at the LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover Kick Off on Monday May 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Bluewater Grille on 224 Broad Street in Chattanooga to learn how you can help. Call for the American Lung Association office for reservations at (423) 629-1098 or email Shirley.Cudabac@lung.org.

Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar while learning about LUNG FORCE's important mission to unite women to stand together against lung cancer and for lung health.

There will also be a Climb for Air challenge across the street at High Point Climbing and Fitness at 7 pm. Nineteen pulmonologists and medical professionals from Erlanger Health System will be challenging their rivals from Chattanooga Memorial Hospital, Kindred and Parkridge Hospitals and Allergy groups in a race to the top of the outdoor climbing wall. Participants are welcome to join. Contact Shirley Cudabac at Shirley.cudabac@lung.org to register.

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

The American Lung Association is asking area 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 Nashville on May 21 at Public Square Park. To register, participate or help raise funds for the important work LUNG FORCE is doing in Tennessee and nationwide, visit LUNGFORCE.org/runwalk or call the Nashville office at 615-329-1151.

• 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.

###

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/tennessee