Charlotte Community Raises Nearly $110,000 To Defeat Lung Cancer at LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting

On the evening of October 24, 150 guests joined the American Lung Association in North Carolina for its 9th annual LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting, presented by AstraZeneca. The event, held at Carmel Country Club, raised nearly $110,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.—and lung disease through local programs, advocacy efforts and groundbreaking research.

“Thank you to all our guests, sponsors, Cabinet and LUNG FORCE Leaders who came together to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by lung cancer and lung disease,” said McCay Manwaring, LUNG FORCE Turquoise Tasting event chair. “The funds we’ve raised will fuel our lifesaving work here in North Carolina and beyond, so that we may soon find a cure for lung cancer.”

During the evening, three community leaders were recognized for their contributions to the Charlotte community and advancing the Lung Association’s mission of a world free of lung cancer and lung disease:

• Shawna Walker, member of the LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting Cabinet: “Nine years ago, the American Lung Association’s Turquoise Tasting was born out of a shared vision with several of my closest friends. They had just endured the heartbreaking loss of their mothers to lung cancer, and together, we channeled this grief into a mission to make a difference. My husband lost his father to lung cancer at just 16—a loss that forever changed the course of his life. As a mother of three daughters, I am particularly concerned about the rising rates of lung cancer among non-smoking women.”
• Juleidy Turnipseed, member of the LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting Cabinet; member of the Lung Association’s North Carolina Leadership Board; thoracic oncology surgical physician assistant and director, Thoracic Oncology Program Services, Novant Health: “I want to diagnose patients early to give them the best chance for a cure. I am dedicated to raising funds for research, increasing accessibility to screening through the Saved by the Scan campaign, and continuing to support those affected. My passion for promoting lung cancer awareness is also personal, as I lost my grandfather to this awful disease and have close friends who have lost parents and loved ones.”
• Kathryn Rowerdink, member of the Lung Association’s North Carolina Leadership Board; executive vice president of enterprise sales and growth, Everly Health: “I’m deeply committed to making a difference with the American Lung Association, motivated by the personal experience of losing a family member who tragically took their own life due to the overwhelming challenges of living with lung disease.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and anyone can get this disease. In North Carolina, nearly 9,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone. However, there is hope. More Americans than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by 44 percent in the last decade thanks to advancements in research and treatment and increased awareness. Funding research, encouraging lung cancer screening and reducing stigma around the disease saves lives.

LUNG FORCE is an initiative that unites those impacted by lung cancer, including survivors, caregivers and loved ones. The LUNG FORCE Turquoise Tasting also serves to highlight the stories and lung health advocacy of community members as they make their stand against lung cancer.

Thank you to our LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting sponsors, including Turquoise Presenting Sponsor AstraZeneca, Ruby Sponsor biodesix, Pearl Sponsors Providence Anesthesiology Associates, Medtronic, Novant Health, Rankin Wealth Management, Mecklenburg Radiology Associates and Allen Lund Company. Special thanks to our LUNG FORCE Cabinet: McCay Manwaring, Juleidy Turnipseed, Sarah Neils, Madeline Hughes, Shawna Walker and Josephine Hauser 

For more information about the event, visit CharlotteTurquoiseTasting.org.