Every 5 Minutes a Nebraska Woman is Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

In the last 40 years, lung cancer in women has increased 94 percent, and the disease now impacts more than 1,000 people in Nebraska. To raise awareness of the number one cancer killer, the American Lung Association in Nebraska is celebrating lung cancer survivors and also turning Nebraska turquoise during National Women’s Lung Health Week (May 6-12).

During the week, the Lung Association is celebrating local lung cancer survivors, including Candi Troia and Kimberly Buchmeier.

• Candi Troia: Six years ago when she was first diagnosed with lung cancer, Troia was given one year to live by two different oncology doctors. After many treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and chemo pills, Troia is a stage 4 lung cancer survivor who is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease.
• Kimberly Buchmeier: At age 37, Omaha resident Kimberly B. was diagnosed with lung cancer. She is young and a non-smoker and had no common symptoms of the disease. Shortly after her diagnosis and treatment, her grandmother was diagnosed with late-stage non-treatable lung cancer and passed away after a two year battle with the disease.

In addition, Woodmen Life Tower, Aksarben Village, Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will be illuminated in turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. During the week, there also will be several events and fundraising campaigns, including:

• CVS In-Store Campaign: From May 6 - 26, CVS Pharmacy customers can make a donation of $1, $3 or more at the register to raise funds for lung cancer awareness, research and education.
• Extra Gum Campaign: In addition, CVS Pharmacy will donate $1 for every pack of Extra Gum that is purchased, up to $100,000 to the Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE.

During National Women’s Lung Health Week, the American Lung Association encourages everyone to get involved by wearing turquoise, turning their social media profiles turquoise, and donating at LUNGFORCE.org.