American Lung Association

They say time is precious and I know it’s true. 20 years ago this coming November, I ran out of time with my Dad. Lung cancer took him from me. He was only 50 years old. In the 7 months between his diagnosis and death, I tried to learn and do everything I could to both slow time and save him. Believe me when I tell you, the word devastated hardly explains what I felt, when I couldn’t.

My Dad was unlike anyone I have ever met. He was the best kind of human. He was kinder than most. He epitomized what it meant to be a hard worker. He lived simply and took joy in the small things. He made greatness out of little to nothing. He’d show up for others without expecting anything in return. And his hugs improved your day while his empathy would change your life.

As you may or may not know, I ventured into running as a means to handle my grief after my Dad died. I cried mile after mile until I came to discover a strength I never knew I had. In his death, he taught me resilience and fortitude. Time and time again, I have “found” him while running and I am left feeling reassured that I can/will get thru whatever obstacle I face in life. I have leaned into this gift over and over again.

On November 24th, I will be running the Philadelphia Marathon. I would like to use my training as an opportunity to fundraise for the American Lung Association and make a memorial donation in honor of my Dad. I would love your help! Founded 120 years ago by volunteers, the American Lung Association is now the leading organization working to improve lung health, prevent lung disease, and improve the quality of life for those with lung disease. Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the U.S.! By the age of 35, I had lost both of my parents to lung cancer. No person should have to experience that.

My goal is to raise a dollar a day for every day I will have lived without my Dad by the time I run the streets of Philadelphia this fall. That translates to $7,313! A dollar a day doesn’t sound like much but when you tally it for 20 years, it quickly becomes substantial.

I will personally contribute a dollar for each mile I run leading up to the Philadelphia Marathon. I am aware that nothing I do can bring him back but I had to say goodbye too soon. If this donation can aid in cancer research or screening to give some other little girl more time with her Dad, then that would be really special. I hope you’ll consider sharing this and/or donating.

The 10th anniversary of Lisa’s passing will be on 10/15/2024. She died from a very rare and aggressive form of a non-smoking small cell carcinoma and sarcoma lung cancer. Within 10 short months of her diagnosis she was gone.

Lisa was full of life and laughter. She married the love of her life (since 6th grade) and she loved being a mom. She was the best daughter and sister. She was everyone’s friend and always remembered birthdays and anniversaries with a mailed card. She refused to pay her bills online because she wanted to keep the post office in business. She wasn’t on social media - her social life was at their pool (known as Put-in-Benkey) or in person.

Shortly after her passing, a fundraiser was held for the American Lung Association’s Lung Force Walk in Cleveland. That first year, our team, Queenie’s Court, was the top fundraising team in Ohio (and among the top teams in the country) for non-sponsored teams, raising over $14,000! This was nothing short of a testament of love for Lisa and a desire to support research and treatment for non-smoking lung cancer.

Our donations have made a difference! The treatment for lung cancer has changed so much in these last 10 years. The experimental drug Lisa took is now the norm for patients and the side effects are much less than when Lisa took it.

When Deena and I started the fundraiser that first year we were hoping to have a team of 10 people walking who raised $100 each. What an incredible thing it was to witness a team twice that size walking and raising so much. We kept having to raise our goal! We sold t-shirts and accepted donations for 6 weeks. What a ride it was.

It is our hope to send a donation this year in memory of Lisa and in honor of all her friends and family who still miss her so much. If you can spare $10 for 10 years it will help us reach our goal.

Thank you for your interest in this campaign dedicated to the memory of our dear friend, Khash Chamlou. Khash's life was tragically cut short due to the relentless battle with lung cancer, a disease that unfortunately touches many lives around the world. His spirit, strength, and determination were an inspiration to us all, and we want to continue to honor his memory in a meaningful way. This is why we've set up this fundraising page. Your generous donation will not only serve as a tribute to Khash's incredible life but also support the vital work of the American Lung Association. This organization is committed to improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy. Every dollar you contribute will aid in their mission to fight lung cancer and help many others who are facing the same fight Khash bravely endured. In the face of our grief, we have an opportunity to turn sorrow into action. By contributing to this fund, you are supporting the ongoing battle against lung cancer, a cause that was tragically close to Khash's heart. Your contribution will make a tangible difference and stand as a testament to the love and respect we all hold for Khash. This is more than a donation – it's a commitment to honor Khash's memory and make a difference in the lives of others. We deeply appreciate your support and thank you for joining us in this meaningful cause.

Matt Safley Music's 2024 Breathe Easier Fundraiser supports the American Lung Association, and is in honor of his mother, Holli, who lost her battle to stage-4 lung cancer in 2020. This diagnosis was extremely unexpected—Holli never smoked and lived an active and healthy lifestyle.

Not only was Holli one of Matt's biggest supporters in his musical career, she inspired him to become a professional musician. Through her 40-year career as an instrumental music teacher, she touched the lives of thousands of elementary school, middle school and high school students with her passion and dedication to music education.

Your donation will go directly to the American Lung Association to support their mission to improve lung health, prevent lung cancer, and combat lung diseases through public education, scientific research, medical treatments, tobacco cessation programs, and air quality improvement.

Matt Safley Music will match the first $250 raised. The goal is $1,000. Ongoing now through April 30!

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause!

There's no better way to honor someone's legacy than to continue it. My grandmother recently passed away after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. She was such a huge inspiration to me and many others throughout her lifetime. As an ER nurse for decades, she touched the lives of thousands of patients and left everlasting impacts. I hope to impact others the way she did. That's why I'm raising money to support the American Lung Association in her honor. This amazing organization works to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy. I hope through this fundraiser to aid this organization in making further advances in research and treatment. After all, if we can make a difference in one person's life, then we're well on our way to honoring that amazing legacy. Together we can make a difference!!!

More information about the American Lung Association: The American Lung Association is an amazing organization dedicated to furthering research and discoveries about lung health! All money donated helps fund cancer research, treatment development, and lung education! 100% of all donations will go directly to this organization.

To All of Our Family and Friends,

On December 19th, 2023, Marilyn Marie Long, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dearest friend passed away.

Marilyn battled stage 3 lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over the last several years of her life and ultimately succumbed to COPD.

In lieu of flowers, our family has set up a go fund me account in which the proceeds will be donated to the American Lung Association in Marilyn’s name.

Our family will be hosting a celebration of life to honor her on April 6, 2024. We would like to invite family and friends to come and celebrate all of the wonderful times and memories of Marilyn’s life with us. An evite will be sent with details.

After 10 years of fighting, David Chalk, lost his battle with lung cancer.

David was a kind, helpful, hardworking, husband, father, grandfather and friend who would help anyone that needed it. He prided himself on making others lives easier. It was his wish that his body be donated for science research so that others could benefit from his fight.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family is requesting a donation be made to the American Lung Association as David lived his life helping others.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit American Lung Association, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about American Lung Association: The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. COVID-19 is a lung infection and we are committed to providing trusted public health support during this pandemic. Our COVID-19 Action Initiative aims to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics by increasing research collaboration, developing vaccines, tests, and treatments, and with education and advocacy.

Hi, our names are Wyatt Walter, Andy Quach, & Ethan Gillfillian and this is our IB project. The reason you should donate to our cause is so we help put a stop to lung cancer. The way it will help is because the money is going toward lung cancer research so we can help one day put a stop to lung cancer.

On April 16th, Michael, Timmy and I will be running our first half marathon in honor of our Grandma, Mary Mullarkey. We lost her in April 2021 after a long hard fight with COPD. For those of you who are not familiar with COPD it is formally known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

My cousins and I want to take this opportunity to draw attention to the American Lung Association. We chose this foundation because it is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. They provide resources to help quit smoking, education on clean air quality and how to incorporate it into your home and life, and are constantly reaching new milestones through research on how to detect lung disease.

We are going to celebrate our Grandma by challenging our lungs and supporting each other through an uncomfortable but ultimately rewarding race. We ask that you join in the fight against COPD and all lung disease by donating in our Grandma's honor to help fuel our fight on April 16th, while we run for her!

Anything helps, and we thank you in advance for your support!