Dayton Heroes unite to support lung cancer research

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DAYTON — Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. These everyday superheroes will be meeting at the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Fifth Third Field. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

It’s easy to join the ranks of these lung cancer heroes. Simply register, raise funds and run or walk.

“By fundraising and joining us on event day, you are bringing hope to those touched by the disease,” said volunteer event chair Kathy Fennig of Dayton. “More treatment options are needed, and the innovative research we’re funding can help ensure everyone diagnosed with the disease has a fighting chance.”

The Free to Breathe events community has raised over $14 million to support groundbreaking research and educational programs since 2005. This year the organization will be funding two new lung cancer research grants totaling over $1.2 million dollars.

Last year, community members, teams, and companies across the region supported the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk by raising over $33,000. Event chairs hope to surpass that total in 2016, which will go a long way in supporting programs specifically designed to ensure that more patients become survivors. Every dollar counts to the more than 224,000 people diagnosed in the U.S with lung cancer each year. In Ohio alone, an estimated 10,550 residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

This year’s event will feature a 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk. The day will also include a silent auction, a variety of kids activities, the chance to meet GEM, the Dayton Dragons mascot and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraising heroes. Gather your superhero squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival.

To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/dayton.

Staff report

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