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Local residents are fueling the national movement to double lung cancer survival at the fourth annual Free to Breathe St. Louis 5K and 1-Mile Walk on Sept. 28 at Creve Coeur Park in Maryland Heights.  The event will feature  5K and 1-mile walks, followed awards for top finishers, and fundraisers and fun for the whole family. Proceeds from the event support the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

Lung cancer claims more lives in Missouri than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In addition, lung cancer’s five-year survival rate is only 16 percent, much lower than that of many other cancers. However, through community efforts like Free to Breathe, the Partnership funds groundbreaking research necessary for making the dramatic breakthroughs in early detection and treatment that can save lives.

In support of Free to Breathe St. Louis 2012, community members, teams and local businesses championed the cause by raising more than $23,900 to help patients and families affected by lung cancer.

This year, Free to Breathe events across the country will raise funds and unite lung cancer survivors, families and friends. Anyone interested can register for an event, donate online or start a personal fundraising page at www.freetobreathe.org.

Those who can’t participate in Free to Breathe St. Louis can participate in the National Walk Week Nov. 2 – 9. National Walk Week provides a way for everyone to join the movement. Supporters make this walk their own by gathering friends, family and co-workers to walk when and where they choose.

The Free to Breathe event series unites people who are passionate about creating public awareness of lung cancer and raising vital funding for research. The National Lung Cancer Partnership started the Free to Breathe event series with a single 5K run and walk in Philadelphia in 2006. Since then, the event series has raised more than $8 million with 100 percent of the net proceeds directly funding programs to help everyone affected by lung cancer. Together, we can inspire hope, build awareness and create CHANGE. To register for an event in your area, visit www.freetobreathe.org.

The National Lung Cancer Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization made up of leading doctors, researchers, patient advocates, and lung cancer survivors dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. For more information, visit www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org.