11th annual Charlotte LUNGe Forward 5K held Saturday

CHARLOTTE — Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Charlotte Radiology hosted their 11th annual LUNGe Forward 5K and Walk at Alpine Creek Park on Saturday.

Registration for the event began at 8:30 a.m. with live music and games, followed by the 1-mile Survivor’s Victory Lap at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K beginning at 10 a.m. The event ended with a reward ceremony.

The yearly event celebrates survivors of lung cancer and helps benefit lung cancer research in the Queen City. Paige Humble, CEO of the Lung Cancer Initiative, said events like these make research and educational programming more accessible throughout the city.

“When you walk into the Charlotte LUNGe Forward, it is so uplifting to see hundreds of people united in support of the lung cancer community,” Humble said. “By stepping out, supporters are also making lung cancer research and educational programming possible right here in Charlotte.”

Besides raising funds, the race was also aimed at spreading awareness and encouraging cancer patients to act quickly. Andrew and Pam Warren lost their father and husband to lung cancer a few years ago and advise anyone experiencing symptoms to see their doctor.

“It’s early detection if people can get cat scans or have early lung symptoms,” Pam Warren told Channel 9. “To make sure that they are advocates for themselves. “Make sure they get X-rays and CAT scans; early detection is the key to survival.”

The 2023 fundraising goal for Charlotte LUNGe is $95,000; the money will go towards lung cancer patients and research.

For more information about the Carolina Lung Cancer Initiative, click here.

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