STATE: ALA turns North Carolina turquoise, encourages residents to take action to end lung cancer
This week the American Lung Association in North Carolina is turning cities across the state turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease.
The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. In North Carolina, the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings turquoise, including The Vue and the Montford Park building, a Grubb Property, located on the campus of Pfeiffer University in Charlotte. And on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University, the Deese Clock Tower will illuminate. In addition, the Lung Association has secured proclamations from the City of Asheville, Charlotte and Hendersonville.
This year’s initiative kicked off in Charlotte over the weekend with the annual Fight for Air Climb at Truist Field, Home of the Charlotte Knights. Over 150 people from 29 teams raised more than $98,000. To donate and for additional information, visit ClimbCharlotte.org.
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state, but there is hope. The five-year survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade thanks to improved early detection of the disease through lung cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted in more than 50 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2016,” said Kate Garofolo, Executive Director for the Lung Association. “There are actions we can all take to reduce the burden of lung cancer in North Carolina, so we ask you to join us.”
The American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:
- Join us for Barks & Bluegrass on June 17 at Skiptown Dog Park for an afternoon with Province of Thieves, North Carolina’s award-winning bluegrass band, dog vendors, food trucks, raffles and the cutest fidos in Charlotte. Learn more by visiting Barksandbluegrass.org.
- Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope.
- Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer.
- Get screened for lung cancer if eligible.
- Test your home for radon.
- Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer.
Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $26 million for lifesaving lung cancer research. Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to defeat the disease.