Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. with someone diagnosed about every two minutes. In New York alone, 13,150 people are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. This Saturday, June 13, more than 600 participants from across the region will unite to help end the disease with a goal to raise $200,000 to support lifesaving research, early detection and programs for people impacted by lung cancer and lung disease.
WHAT: The LUNG FORCE Walk Hudson Valley, is a community walk bringing together survivors, caregivers, healthcare leaders, and advocates to support lung health and raise critical funds for the American Lung Association’s mission to end lung cancer and lung disease.
WHERE: Manhattanville University, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY. 1-mile and 2-mile walk routes around the scenic campus. Parking and directions here.
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 9:30 a.m.
09:30 a.m. – Registration, Donations & Incentives, Mission Tents & Exhibitors Open
10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting & Walk Start
12:00 p.m. – Closing Ceremony & BBQ on the Field
WHO: Individuals, families, volunteers, and corporate teams from across the Hudson Valley region, along with American Lung Association staff and LUNG FORCE Heroes. Participants impacted by lung cancer will be available for interviews, including:
LUNG FORCE Walk Hudson Valley Medical Honoree Dr. Brendon Stiles, Professor and Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Montefiore Einstein and Associate Director for Surgical Services at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, recognized for his leadership in advancing patient-centered lung cancer care and commitment to the lung cancer community.
Courtney Burke, White Plains. Lost her mother, June Burke, to lung cancer just May 2025. Her mother walked since 2019 and was diagnosed after hearing a lot about lung cancer from loved ones and advocating for herself to be screened. Their team has raised to date over $66,000. They raised over 35k last year alone.
Nancy Guttormsen, Yorktown Heights. Her best friend Mariann Casagrande was one of our most active and involved LUNG FORCE Heroes who attended advocacy day twice, and passed from lung cancer in April 2023. Mariann formed the team at the first walk in 2016 and the team remains active and strong in her honor. On the team is another hero, Laura Albterson, who has ILD, and had a lung transplant in 2024.
Marlo Falcone, White Plains. In 2023, Marlo was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer—the same disease that claimed her mother’s life in 2020. A licensed stylist and freestyle recording artist, Marlo has toured both locally and nationwide, using her voice to inspire and connect. Marlo is passionate about raising awareness, building community, and supporting the mission to end lung cancer for good
Jacqueline Rodrigues, Mahopac. Jacqueline has been a registered respiratory therapist for 15 years at Northwell! She has been an active member in community outreach programs for 13 years and first got involved with the Lung Association 7 years ago. Currently, she is the supervisor of the Pulmonary Lab at Phelps where they provide Pulmonary education, Better Breathers meetings open to the community, Nicotine cessation, middle school and high school anti vaping and health lung education programs throughout Westchester and surrounding counties and is a BLS instructor. Jackie and her team in the pulmonary lab are focused on patient advocacy and providing their community with as many resources as possible.
HOW: To learn more or register online, visit LUNGFORCE.org/hudsonvalley. Registration is free and open online through event day, with onsite registration available at the Walk. Fundraising is encouraged
WHY: Funds raised through the LUNG FORCE Walk support the Lung Association’s work to reduce the impact of lung cancer and lung disease through research, education, advocacy, and direct support for people and families affected by the disease. These dollars help move research forward, increase awareness and use of lung cancer screening, address stigma, and ensure people have access to trusted resources and information throughout their lung health journey.
BEST VISUALS: The LUNG FORCE Walk will offer dynamic visuals throughout the morning, including more than 600 participants wearing signature LUNG FORCE turquoise as they walk along the campus. Media will capture survivors, caregivers, families, volunteers, and corporate teams walking together, emotional moments honoring those lost to lung cancer, and an on‑stage program recognizing 2026 Medical Honoree Dr. Brendon Stiles providing compelling and colorful footage for broadcast and photography.