Residents Raise $35k to Support Lung Health, COVID-19 Initiative

From September 7 - 30, local residents headed outside to get active as a part of the American Lung Association in Louisiana’s LUNG FORCE Walk. The event raised more than $35,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease and support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative.

The LUNG FORCE Walk is a fundraising event that was spaced out over three weeks to promote social distancing. Participants participated in three virtual challenges, and chose their route, day and time that they walked.

“Due to concerns surrounding the global pandemic, we quickly pivoted to a virtual event this year, but still saw a tremendous outpouring of support and participation from the local community,” said Sharon Gwin, development coordinator for the Lung Association. “Thank you to all of our participants and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of people facing lung disease, lung cancer and COVID-19.”

In total, the LUNG FORCE Walk resulted in:

• 58 registered participants
• 8 teams
• $35,635 raised and counting.

Money raised at the LUNG FORCE Walk funds the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease. It also supports the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

More information is available on the New Orleans LUNG FORCE Walk website.