History

Two of the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s main priorities are to raise research dollars and awareness for lung cancer. The Free to Breathe program was started to accomplish both of these goals by joining the general public and those who want to participate in a charitable event with the community of lung cancer survivors and advocates.

The National Lung Cancer Partnership launched the first Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk in November of 2006 in Philadelphia. Because of the event’s success and interest from other advocates around the country, we knew that this program would become the premiere lung cancer event series in the country. So we put plans in place to continue reaching new communities across the nation.

In the program’s second year, four Free to Breathe events were held. A second event in Philadelphia drew more than twice as many people as the inaugural event and new events were introduced in Los Angeles, CA, Raleigh, NC and Glastonbury, CT.  

Because participation and fundraising levels are continuing to grow, the National Lung Cancer Partnership is providing more resources and support to empower event organizers and participants to be involved in successful, annual events. In 2012, we have approximately 40 events planned across the nation!

As we continue to expand our event locations each year, we are excited for you to join us and others in your community to make a difference for lung cancer patients and their families! Check out our current event locations and if there isn’t an event currently scheduled near you, please join us for our National Walk!