American Lung Association to host virtual Lung Force Walk in Wisconsin

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Aug 7, 2020 10:34 AM CDT

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The American Lung Association recently announced that the first-ever Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk-Wisconsin will take place from Sept. 21 - 27. The event was previously held at the Milwaukee Zoo, but was re-imagined due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

UnitedHealthcare joins the Lung Association as Presenting Sponsor of the first-ever Virtual Walk.

Participants can run or walk one mile, a 5K, 10K, or a half marathon in one trip or can spread out their chosen distance over the week, according to a news release. The typical activities will now be turned into virtual passport challenges.

Money raised will fund the Lung Association's efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association's COVID-19 Action Initiative, which is a $25 million investment to address and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics.

“The circumstances created by COVID-19 have presented many new challenges for organizations across Wisconsin, including the American Lung Association and the people they serve in improving lung health through the important work they do with education, advocacy and research,” said Dustin Hinton, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin. “We are honored to support the American Lung Association and their innovative idea of the Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk which will help provide critical aid and resources to communities across the state.”

“Lung disease doesn’t stop, and neither can we,” Cordova added. “During this challenging time, it’s important for all those living with lung cancer and lung disease, including COVID-19, to feel hope, optimism, and support. While his year’s Walk will be different, we’re excited to see our participants get moving and get creative with how they support lung health. Whether it’s by walking, running, or biking– we’ll be there with you raising critical funds and awareness.”