March 1, 2009

Race for Lung Life Announces Its Inaugural 5K Run/Walk on April 4, 2009

Did you know that more people die from lung cancer than any other cancer? Did you know that in 2004 (the most recent year for which statistics are currently available), lung cancer accounted for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer – combined? Although 85 percent of lung cancer diagnoses occur among current or former smokers, 15 percent of lung cancer patients have never smoked a day in their lives.

Race for Lung Life will be an annual, non-competitive, family oriented 5K run/walk held in memory of Ms. Wilhelmina E. Bell-Taylor, a lung cancer heroine who fought courageously from the moment she was diagnosed in April 2004 until she passed away on April 24, 2008. The inaugural event will take place on April 4, 2009 in Candy Cane City (Chevy Chase, MD) to honor Ms. Bell-Taylor’s life and to encourage others who are living with or caring for someone with lung cancer.

Having watched the four-year progression of her mother’s illness, and having felt the frustration of not being able to do anything, Wilhelmina’s daughter Michelle Taylor is committed to raising awareness about lung cancer and carrying forth her mother’s legacy, “helping others.” Race for Lung Life 5k run/walk is one way.

The mission of Race for Lung Life is to transform common perceptions about lung cancer and eradicate its stigma. Race for Lung Life aims to highlight the fact that lung cancer is not just about smoking and to support and encourage patients and their families impacted by the disease. In the years to come, we will support research efforts to identify the cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and ways to prevent the illness, so that patients may live longer and healthier lives. Ultimately, we will seek to help fund the research to find a cure.

We need your help to make Race for Lung Life a resounding success! Every step you take with us is one step closer to ending the stigma associated with lung cancer. Your participation will encourage others to learn the facts and understand that lung cancer is not always a result of smoking. Show compassion and care: join us in this race on April 4, 2009 in Candy Cane City (Chevy Chase, MD)!

To learn more about Race for Lung Life, call Shellie Sims, Public Relations & Advertising Committee Chair at (301) 204-6683, e-mail ssims@raceforlunglife.com or visit our website at http://www.raceforlunglife.com.

Race for Lung Life… it’s not just about Smoking!