American Lung Association in Ohio turns turquoise in honor of National Women's Lung Health Week

Cedar Point will light Giant Wheel and GateKeeper turquoise this week in support of LUNG FORCE.

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

American Lung Association in Ohio Press Release

CLEVELAND OH (May 12, 2015) -- Today, the American Lung Association in Ohio is supporting LUNG FORCE during National Women's Lung Health Week (May 10th – 16th) by turning local landmarks turquoise in an effort to defeat lung cancer in women. LUNG FORCE is a movement launched by the American Lung Association to unite women against lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women.

In Cleveland, the Terminal Tower will be illuminated in turquoise tonight to show support for the cause. At Cedar Point in Sandusky, the Giant Wheel and GateKeeper will be turquoise throughout the week.

LUNG FORCE at Cedar PointPhoto: Bryan Edwards on Twitter (@BryanEdwardsCP)

Cleveland City Council presented a Resolution of Recognition at last night's council meeting for their Woman's Lung Health Week along with Mayor Jackson issuing a Proclamation. Accepting the proclamations was Barry Gottschalk, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Midland States which includes Ohio.

Every eight minutes, a woman in the United States dies of lung cancer. Yet, there is a disconnect in awareness. Only 1 percent of women cite lung cancer as a women's cancer that is top-of-mind for them, according to the American Lung Association's Women's Lung Health Barometer. (www.lungforce/barometer) However, lung cancer kills twice as many women as any other cancer.

The most important focus of this campaign, however, are the women and families whose lives have been forever changed as a result of a lung cancer diagnosis. The disease has personally affected Tara Hannum, who participated in last Saturday's LUNG FORCE Walk in Cleveland.

She explains how lung cancer has affected her life:

"I walked for those who can't. I walked for my mom, my grandfathers, my aunt, my friend's mother, my friend's father and all of those who could not walk because they are fighting for their life or no longer with us.

My mother, Janet Hannum, was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung cancer in November 2014. She went to work one day and hurt her back. A visit to the emergency room changed our lives. The diagnosis has been devastating to our family. We never expected it. She's a nonsmoker and had always been athletic and physically active.

My mom's story is the story of too many women out there. The trials and tribulations we have faced as a family are unfortunately too common for so many families. Participating in the Lung Force Walk has been a way of honoring my mom and acknowledging the battle she is fighting. It has also been a way to honor both of my grandfathers who have died from lung cancer. During the days leading up to the walk, I had the chance to meet many people who are fighting a battle with lung cancer or lung disease or have a family member that has/had lung cancer or lung disease. It has made me realize that my family is not alone in this fight. It has provided an opportunity for friends, family and co-workers to tell their stories and come together.

Lung Force has helped me feel that there is some power that we can take back from these awful diseases. My hope is that by participating in events such as Lung Force, the stigma around lung cancer will change, insurance companies will allow testing in order to detect lung cancer sooner and more attention will be paid to lung cancer and lung health in general. I pray that a cure will be found soon and I hope no other families have to experience the destruction that a lung cancer diagnosis brings. "

Now in its second year, LUNG FORCE is empowering women and men in northern Ohio to share their voice and make lung cancer a public health priority.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating our second annual Turquoise Takeover in northern Ohio with the illuminations," said Gottschalk. "Since launching LUNG FORCE last year, we've made great strides in spreading awareness among the Ohio community and I'm excited to see it all come to life this year."