CHELMSFORD – Sept. 30, 2012 – Local residents will lace up their sneakers and join the national movement to defeat lung cancer at the third annual Free to Breathe^® Chelmsford Lung Cancer 5K Run/Walk and Kids' Dash at Harrington Elementary School in North Chelmsford on Sept. 30. Proceeds from the event support the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s life-changing research, education and awareness programs.

To register for this event or donate, visit www.FreetoBreathe.org.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Massachusetts and the United States, claiming the lives of more men and women than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Free to Breathe Chelmsford will unite lung cancer survivors, families, friends and advocates to form a community of hope, acting as a local catalyst to create change for everyone affected by the disease. This year alone, more than 40 Free to Breathe events in 26 states will bring together tens of thousands of people to help increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for programs that help patients.

“Free to Breathe events connect people whose lives have been touched by lung cancer,” said event organizer Becky Jacobson of Westford, Ma. “Together, we’re building a movement of people committed to finding a cure for all types of lung cancer within our lifetime.”

In support of Free to Breathe Chelmsford 2011, community members, teams and local businesses helped raise $54,437 that directly benefits the Partnership’s programs that make a difference in the lives of lung cancer patients and their loved ones.

Those who can’t participate in Free to Breathe Chelmsford can take part in the National Walk Weeks happening Nov. 3 – Nov. 9. During these weeks, the Partnership invites supporters across the country to organize teams to raise funds and show solidarity by walking around the block, around the neighborhood or around town.

# # #

Free to Breathe

The Free to Breathe event series unites people who are passionate about creating public awareness of lung cancer and raising vital funding for research. The National Lung Cancer Partnership started the Free to Breathe event series with a single 5K run and walk in Philadelphia in 2006. Since then, the event series has raised more than $5.6 million with 100 percent of the net proceeds directly funding programs to help everyone affected by lung cancer. Together, we can inspire hope, build awareness and create CHANGE. To register for an event in your area, visit www.freetobreathe.org

National Lung Cancer Partnership

The National Lung Cancer Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization made up of leading doctors, researchers, patient advocates, and lung cancer survivors dedicated to raising public awareness of the disease and generating funding for lung cancer research. For more information, visit www.NationalLungCancerPartnership.org.