American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk NYC Returns to South Street Seaport on May 17 To Raise Awareness and Funds to Support Lung Disease Research and Lung Health Initiatives

The American Lung Association in New York is gearing up for its annual LUNG FORCE Walk New York City, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for lung disease research and lung health initiatives. The walk will once again take place at the iconic South Street Seaport, Pier 16, on Saturday, May 17th. This year, the event will honor Dr. Christine Garcia, a distinguished oncologist and hematologist at Weill Cornell Medicine who specializes in lung cancer care and is dedicated to empowering patients through compassionate, personalized treatment.

The LUNG FORCE Walk NYC is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including Breathe Free Sponsor Cipla USA and long-time supporter Maimonides Health. 

Registration is now open at LUNGFORCE.org/nyc

“We are so deeply grateful to Dr. Christine Garcia for her outstanding contributions to lung cancer care and her unwavering commitment to empowering patients and their loved ones,” said Erica Masin, Executive Director for the American Lung Association in Metro New York. “The American Lung Association is proud to work with New York City’s esteemed community of medical professionals—dedicated doctors like Dr. Garcia - who help turn our research, advocacy, and education into real-world impact, improving outcomes for those affected by lung cancer and lung disease. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors and every walker and volunteer who make this event such a meaningful and joyful success.”

Since its inception, the LUNG FORCE Walk NYC has provided critical funding for lung cancer research, lung disease education, and awareness efforts. Participants will walk a 1-mile or 3-mile scenic route with stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, celebrating survivors, supporting those currently facing lung disease, and remembering loved ones lost.

Dr. Garcia said, “It is an honor to be recognized by the American Lung Association and to stand alongside so many dedicated advocates in the fight against lung cancer. My mission is to ensure that every patient receives compassionate, personalized care, and events like the LUNG FORCE Walk are critical in raising awareness and funding research to improve outcomes. I’m grateful to be part of this incredible community working to create a future with better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”

Dr. Christine Garcia, M.D., M.P.H., is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She specializes in caring for patients with lung cancer and non-malignant hematological conditions. Dr. Garcia also serves as the Director of Quality and Patient Safety in Weill Cornell Medicine’s Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology and serves as the division’s representative on the Weill Department of Medicine’s Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee. Dr. Garcia also chairs quality assurance for the Weill Cornell Medicine Physician Organization Quality and Patient Safety Committee. Her research focuses on quality improvement initiatives in cancer care, and she has been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions to the field. 

The event will include an impactful opening ceremony where Dr. Garcia will make remarks, LUNG FORCE Heroes will share their stories, and the crowd will share in a fitness warm-up.  All participants will also have the opportunity to complete a LUNG FORCE Action passport that encourages lung health education, and a Party on the Pier after the walk!  Funds raised at the LUNG FORCE Walk will the Lung Association’s annual research, education and advocacy efforts for lung cancer, chronic lung diseases and respiratory illnesses.

More information and registration are available at lungforce.org/nyc