Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about one in five of all cancer deaths. According to the American Lung Association, more people die of lung cancer each year than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Mercy Medical Center’s Ashley LeBlanc, BSN, RN, Nurse Practice Manager of Thoracic Surgery and Nursing Director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program, has long been a proponent of raising awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection. She recently led a team from Mercy in the American Lung Association’s 2023 LUNG FORCE Walk at Great River Park in Hartford. The annual event raises funds for research, early detection initiatives, and awareness outreach to vulnerable communities. Participants of the event raised nearly $40,000.
Although LeBlanc has previously served as the nurse planner for LUNG FORCE education events in Springfield and East Hartford, she underscores the importance of this event. “LUNG FORCE walks foster connections between lung cancer survivors and their families, medical professionals and lung health advocates, and help raise funds for medical research and resources for those impacted by lung disease,” she said.
Trinity Health Of New England served as a sponsor of the 2023 LUNG FORCE Walk in Hartford. Saint Francis Hospital’s Dr. Anil Magge and Mercy’s Dr. Laki Rousou were also on hand and did a “meet and greet” with participants.