Local Dog Competition Raises Money to Defeat Lung Cancer

Charlotte resident and LUNG FORCE Hero Linda Viner, is enlisting her rescue dog, Oliver to raise funds to defeat lung cancer through the American Lung Association’s FIDO’S FORCE Top Dog Competition.

“Oliver entered my life when I wasn’t looking. I was actually flying home from a Lung Association Fight For Air Climb in Tampa when I saw him on an online rescue website, where I had rescued another dog several years ago. I unexpectedly lost that dog just two months prior. When I saw Oliver’s big brown eyes and found out he was saved from an illegal puppy mill, I had to help. My initial intent was to foster him, but it only took 10 minutes to become a foster failure. I had to adopt him,” Viner recalls.

Today, Viner and her husband Jeff, look forward to entering Oliver into the American Lung Association’s FIDO’S FORCE Top Dog Competition. “This event is a fun and playful way to increase funds and awareness about lung cancer, two things that are extremely important to us,” Viner continues. “Having lost my dad to lung cancer on November 5, 2017, nothing would mean more to me than Oliver taking home the top prize. Because in doing so, my dad’s memory will be honored.”

The third annual competition culminates at the LUNG FORCE Barks & Bluegrass Benefit at Skiptown Dog Park and Bar on Saturday, May 21st. The winner will receive a basket of local treats and dog specialties, including a hand-painted dog portrait valued at $200. Province of Thieves, Carolina Bluegrass Band of the Year, will be playing the best of their original and cover songs. Food trucks and dog vendors will be on location, along with raffles and other event day activities. The afternoon celebrates the progress being made to help people with lung cancer live longer, happier lives.

To register for FIDO’S FORCE Top Dog Competition, visit www.FidosForceCharlotte.org. Registration has been extended until noon on Saturday, May 7th. Money raised benefits LUNG FORCE, American Lung Association’s initiative to defeat lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer.

For media interested in learning more about LUNG FORCE or scheduling an interview with Linda Viner and Oliver, or a lung cancer expert, contact Jill Smith at Jill.Smith@Lung.org or call 704-818-4138.

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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 Gold-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 women, men and caregivers across the country to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cancer killer. 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 • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004

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