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 San Diego Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Walk on Sunday, August 7 at the Embarcadero Marina Park North. 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 Jessica Evans of San Diego. “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 San Diego Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Walk by raising $40,900. 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 California alone, an estimated 18,140 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 1/4 mile Kids’ Dash, coloring, live music from a local DJ 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.