One Mighty Force: Greater Philadelphia Residents Unite to End Lung Cancer at LUNG FORCE Walk on May 10 - Now at the Philadelphia Zoo

The American Lung Association is excited to announce the opening of registration for the 11th Annual LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia, taking place for the first time at the Philadelphia Zoo on May 10, 2025. This year, CBS Philadelphia is joining as the event’s presenting media sponsor, furthering their ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and raising awareness about lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths for women and men.  

Each year, the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia brings together hundreds of Greater Philadelphians to end lung cancer. On May 10, the Lung Association in Pennsylvania is uniting more than 700 people across the region as one mighty force to come together to support research, advocacy and education for lung cancer with a fundraising goal of $175,000. 

“Our LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia is a celebration of hope, designed to raise awareness about lung disease and honor those affected by it, whether personally or through a loved one,” said Caroline Hutchinson, Executive Director, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania. “Media sponsor CBS Philadelphia shares the same commitment to our community and empowers us to broaden our reach, increase lung health awareness and execute an inspiring event that brings the community together to help end lung cancer. We are so grateful to CBS Philadelphia for helping us further our mission to improve lung health and save lives.”   

Participants joining the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia will choose between a one-mile or three-mile course starting at the Philadelphia Zoo Impala Lawn. The event will kick-off with an impactful opening ceremony emceed by CBS News Philadelphia’s Ukee Washington in which LUNG FORCE Heroes will share their powerful stories. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the LUNG FORCE Action passport, designed to educate on lung health, followed by a celebration after the walk. Participants will enjoy all-day access to Philadelphia Zoo. 

“CBS Philadelphia is proud to join forces with the American Lung Association in amplifying their message and raising awareness of the critical work they do with their partners. We focus on stories with heart. That doesn’t happen without the most basic need: breathing. We are proud to join the walk and shine a light on difference makers here at home” said CBS Philadelphia President and General Manager Kelly Frank. 

Lung Cancer Research and Community Impact: 

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among people in the U.S. and someone is diagnosed with the disease about every two minutes. But there is hope! More people than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by over 50% in the past decade.  

LUNG FORCE Walk events are great for friends, family and company teams to come together to support people with lung disease and lung cancer, have fun and get some exercise. Joining a LUNG FORCE Walk supports the work of the American Lung Association to defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. 

“Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers, participants, and LUNG FORCE Heroes, we are truly making an impact on lung cancer in the Greater Philadelphia area. We are so proud that here in Philadelphia, the LUNG FORCE Walk, since 2014, has raised $1,209,755 (including $145,285 for the 2025 Walk, and still counting) to help end lung cancer. Nationally, since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $30 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding our research commitment by 286%,” said Hutchinson. This year’s LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia will benefit local initiatives including the Lung Cancer Survivor Celebration on April 8th at the Sheraton University City as well as local lung cancer research. 

Get Involved: 

The Lung Association encourages people across the region to get involved in the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia to help end lung cancer. To learn more and register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/philadelphia.   

There is no entry fee for the LUNGFORCE Walk Philadelphia itself, participants are required to fundraise a minimum of $35 to cover the zoo admission ticket and join the event. For those who wish to offer more support, other packages are available. Participants that raise a $100, will receive zoo entry and event T-shirt. The $250 package includes zoo entry, an event T-shirt and validated parking. For $500, participants will receive zoo entry, an event T-shirt, validated parking and a commemorative backpack. The $1,000 package offers zoo entry, an event T-shirt, validated parking, a commemorative backpack and a special Giraffe Experience.  

Thank you to our local LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors, including Presenting Media Sponsor CBS Philadelphia and event sponsors Penn Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Genentech, Jefferson Health and Temple Lung Center.