Lafayette residents can be part of a national effort to double the lung cancer survival rate by participating in the second annual Free to Breathe Run/Walk.
Lafayette residents can be part of a national effort to double the lung cancer survival rate by participating in the second annual Free to Breathe Run/Walk.
The walk commences at the River Ranch Town Square, 1100 Camellia Blvd. Registration is from 6:30-7 a.m., followed by an opening rally and warm-up. The 1-mile walk starts at 8 followed a half hour later by the 5K run. If you want to walk the 5K route you'll have to wait until 8:35. A closing rally will begin at 10 a.m. The pre-registration period has ended, but participants can show up during the registration period, pay the $30 fee ($15 for ages 10 and under) and join the fun. Proceeds from the event support the National Lung Cancer Partnership's programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.
Why is this important? Because lung cancer claims more lives in Louisiana than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In addition, lung cancer's five-year survival rate is only 16 percent, much lower than that of many other cancers. However, through community efforts like Free to Breathe, the Partnership funds ground-breaking research necessary for making the dramatic breakthroughs in early detection and treatment that can save lives.
"The research and resources funded through Free to Breathe are reaching the people who need them most," say event organizer Tanya Farmer. "Together, we're building the promise - made to hundreds of thousands of families across the country - of lifesaving treatments and cures. I'm proud to be a part of this transformative effort, and I encourage the entire community to join me in embracing the Free to Breathe movement."
For details, go the the National Lung Cancer Partnership's website.