Lung Association Engages Residents to Take Action to End Lung Cancer

This week, the American Lung Association in Florida is turning South Florida 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.

“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 Violet Nikolici Lowrey, American Lung Association Board Member and 2023 LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover Honoree. “There are actions we can all take to reduce the burden of lung cancer in Florida, so we ask you to join us.”

In South Florida, through the month of May, all donations made to the American Lung Association in South Florida, will be DOUBLED up to $35,000 by Cleveland Clinic Florida. This Matching Gift Challenge is designed to inspire community members to help support a better future for all patients living with lung cancer and their loved ones. Every dollar raised for this campaign, from now until June 15 will be matched 1:1 up to $35,000 to benefit the American Lung Association’s mission to defeat lung cancer.

To help the American Lung Association unlock the full potential of this match, members of the community are invited to fundraise, turn turquoise, and take part in any number of the many engagement opportunities including:

• ‘Share the Square’ Cleveland Clinic Florida – This campaign is designed to generate greater lung cancer awareness and to promote early lung cancer screenings and will integrate the Lung Association’s key priority of promoting early lung cancer screenings with an emphasis in generating greater awareness of local hospital resources. For more information, please visit http://turquoisetakeoverchallenge.org/ . To learn more about lung cancer screening options at Cleveland Clinic Florida and if you are eligible, please visit http://clevelandclinicflorida.org/lungscreening
• Trivia Night – Monday, May 8, 6:00 p.m. at Hollywood Miller’s Ale House, 3215 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 3302 - Join us at the Miller's Ale House for appetizers and trivia! We will have three rounds of general questions and one round that will test your knowledge of lung health! Admission is $35 for a team of four, or $10 for individuals. Register here: https://TurquoiseTakeoverTrivia.eventbrite.com

• Educational Webinar Presented by Baptist Health - Tuesday, May 9, 12:00 p.m. 1228 S Pine Island Rd Suite 400, Plantation, FL. Join Miami Cancer Institute for a FREE and an in-person community discussion with experts as share lung cancer risks and the importance of early detection. Pre-registration is not required.

• Bright Drop Yoga - Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 p.m. - The live vinyasa yoga and meditation class will take place at South Side Cultural Center located at 701 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Suggested donation of $10 donation or more. Register here: https://TurquoiseTakeoverYoga.eventbrite.com

• Pizza Party at Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza - Thursday, May 11, ALL Day, 9521 Westview Drive, Coral Springs. Patrons must mention they are with "American Lung Association" or "Turquoise Takeover" when ordering and 20% of the bill will support the American Lung Association.

• Shop For A Cause - Friday, May 12, ALL Day – Enjoy an early summer shopping outing at any one of these local retailers and mention the Lung Association prior to your purchase, and a portion of sales will benefit the American Lung Association.
  • J Mclaughlin, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., 808 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
  • Kendra Scott, Brickell Citi Center, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., S Miami Ave #212a Miami, FL 33130
  • Lilly Pulitzer, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., 814 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330.
  • Robinson’s Jewelers, ALL day, 820 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

• Become a Turquoise Takeover Ambassador - Companies, friends & family members are invited to register and create their own personalized ambassador team page at the following website: http://TurquoiseTakeoverChallenge.org (Top Fundraisers will win prizes, and special recognition!)

• Illuminations – Keep your eyes open around town as several major landmarks and buildings will illuminate turquoise throughout the week including Design Centers of the Americas (DCOTA) off of I95 in Dania Beach.

And on the national level, the American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

1. Attend the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree presented by the Erwin and Mautner Charitable Foundation on June 3 at the W Fort Lauderdale or create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
2. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
3. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer
4. Get screened for lung cancer if eligible
5. Test your home for radon
6. 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.

Local Sponsors of this campaign include: Cleveland Clinic of Florida, Tito's Handmade Vodka, We Florida Financial, Parent's Choice Medical Daycare, Memorial Healthcare System, Alhambra Orchestra and Searcy Denney Attorneys at Law.

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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 education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

About LUNG FORCE

The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative unites people impacted by lung cancer and their caregivers across the country to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths. Increased awareness about lung cancer, more education on lifesaving screening and more research funding are critical to fuel lifesaving breakthroughs. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE works to provide hope to all those impacted by the disease and save more lives. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.

American Lung Association

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org