Annual run/walk brings lung cancer survivors, families, and supporters to Folly
from Staff Reports
Few things signal the arrival of fall in the Lowcountry quite like oysters, barbecue, and live music.
Hundreds of runners and walkers will take to the streets of Folly Beach this fall, but for many, crossing the finish line will mean much more than completing a 5K.
The American Lung Association’s annual Lung Force Run/Walk returns to Folly Beach on Saturday, Oct. 17, bringing together survivors, families, health care professionals and supporters to raise awareness and funds in the fight against lung disease.
The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Folly Beach Pier and includes a 5K run and walk through the island. Participants can compete for time, take a more leisurely walk or join together as teams in honor or memory of someone affected by lung disease.
“Lung Force is about bringing people together with hope, purpose and a shared commitment to improving the future of lung health,” said Lung Force Run/Walk co-chairs Eleanor Hardy and Elaine Carew. “Whether you’re running for someone you love, walking as a survivor or simply showing up to support the cause, every participant is part of our Force.”
This year’s event will expand its celebration of the lung health community by highlighting local healthcare professionals through the new Charleston Lung Force Medical Honoree Award. The award will recognize a health care professional who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving lung health and advancing the prevention, detection, treatment, or understanding of lung cancer and lung disease. The honoree will be recognized at the run/walk.
Lung Force is a national American Lung Association initiative focused on defeating lung cancer and improving lung health. Money raised through the Folly Beach event supports lung disease research, education and advocacy, including work related to lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory illnesses.
While the mission is national, Folly Beach has put its own stamp on the event.
Local residents and supporters participate each year as Team Folly, proving that a small island can make a surprisingly large impact. Last year, Team Folly ranked 21st nationally among Lung Force community teams, quite a showing for a sleepy little beach town.
The event also provides a chance to celebrate survivors while remembering those lost to lung disease. Participants are encouraged to form teams with friends, family members and coworkers, fundraise ahead of the event and share the stories behind why they are taking part.
Lung cancer remains one of the central focuses of the Lung Force campaign. The American Lung Association launched the initiative to increase awareness of the disease, encourage early detection and help fund research into new treatments.
On Folly, however, those big-picture goals take on a distinctly local feel. Instead of gathering in a convention center or navigating the streets of a major city, participants start their morning beside the ocean and make their way through the same streets residents and visitors travel every day.
That setting has helped make the Folly event a community gathering as much as a fundraiser — one where competitive runners can line up alongside survivors, families and walkers simply there to show their support.
And if last year’s national showing is any indication, Folly continues to punch well above its weight. For a little beach town, Team Folly has become a pretty big force.
The Lung Force Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.LUNGFORCE.org/Charleston.
