Lung Cancer Walk and Rally November 7, 2009

After her father died of lung cancer seven years ago, Renee Kosiarek of Naperville set out with great passion to raise money and awareness of the deadly disease and, like "The Little Engine that Could," the Annual Lung Cancer Walk and Rally has gained momentum from the humble grassroots event of a hundred or so people.

Lung cancer awareness is often overshadowed by equally daunting cancers - breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Appropriately described as "invisible," lung cancer has far less research and awareness than the other diseases, yet more people suffer and die from lung cancer alone than from breast, colorectal, prostate, brain cancers and leukemia combined. In fact, every 30 seconds, somebody somewhere dies of lung cancer.

The 7th Annual Lung Cancer Walk and Rally will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, starting at the Grand Pavilion at the Naperville Riverwalk. Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m., and registration is begins at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m. a physician will present information on the newest lung cancer research, followed immediately by the walk.

Bagpipers will be present for the start of the walk. When the walk steps off, people will walk the first minute or so in silence to honor those currently with lung cancer and in memory of those who died of the disease. In addition, there will be an honor wall where people can pay tribute with a note and/or a photo of their loved one who has fought or is fighting lung cancer.

The walk is free. However, the suggested donation is $20 per person, although donations of any denomination are accepted with gratitude. People can also collect pledges.

The walk benefits Lungevity, a 501c3 organization based in Chicago IL, dedicated to finding a cure for lung cancer. Collectively, the previous six walks have raised $150,000.

For more information, visit http://www.walkforlungcancer.org or contact Renee Kosiarek at 630-357-8464, email [email protected].