In my spare time, I took up volunteering with the American Lung Association in Delaware this past August, specifically as chair of the LungForce walk, which took place in November. It's been incredibly rewarding working with people so dedicated to fighting lung disease. They have asked me to speak about my experience with the disease and share my passion for educating people about the risks. I was chosen as the Ben FM Woman of the Week and also had the opportunity to share my story at various events.
The association has been so welcoming and supportive to me, especially when we lost my Aunt Barbara to small cell carcinoma just one week before the walk,. We were planning to honor her and her battle at the walk . . . and while we did despite her absence, I was really hoping she'd hang on a little longer. Ultimately, Aunt Barbara lost her battle to lung cancer after a brave, seven month fight. Sadly, with her passing, she marks the fourth family member I have lost to lung cancer.
I am looking forward to continuing my work with the ALA as chair for the 2015 LungForce walk. This year, my amazing team of friends and family, affectionately known as "Remember Each One of Us Can Make a Difference," helped raise $3,000 in just six weeks, helping the event to raise nearly $30,000 total. I'm hoping to raise even more funds and awareness next year.Having the opportunity to honor my father and my family members who have passed from lung cancer has meant so much to me. While there are many causes I am passionate about, I have struggled to find something I could really sink my teeth into, a cause I could really dedicate my time to and feel as if I am making a difference. To be able to work with the American Lung Association fills that void for me and allows me to keep my father's memory alive and honor all those I have lost from this terrible disease. Onward and upward.
