Lung Cancer Alliance Announces 3rd Annual National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil

Largest Coordinated Awareness Event for Lung Cancer to take Place on November 1st Across the United States and in Australia and Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) announced the 3rd annual National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil  with at least 50 vigils taking place nationwide on November 1, 2011.  The vigil is likely the largest coordinated awareness event for lung cancer with volunteers from across the country rallying together to bring attention, honor loved ones and provide hope, compassion, and support for the millions touched by this disease every year.

"We are so grateful to our volunteers across the country and now, the world, who host vigils during the month of November," said Laurie Fenton-Ambrose, LCA President & CEO.   "Together, we will ignite a national dialogue and bring lung cancer out of the shadows, while our organization provides the one-on-one support, information and action that will save lives today."

The National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil started with a handful of individuals in California and Boston.  Under the vision and leadership of Diane Legg, a lung cancer survivor and founder of LCA's New England Chapter, along with another dedicated advocate David Watson, the Boston vigil quickly became the cornerstone of a national program that this year has gone global.

"When we first started this effort in 2006, there was very little for those affected by lung cancer," said Legg.  "I wanted to come up with a way to offer all of the people touched by lung cancer a simple and effective way of honoring loved ones and getting involved in the lung cancer movement.  Together, with volunteers and their loved ones from across the country and now the globe, we have done just that – and we will continue way past our 100 vigil goal!"

There are currently 50 vigils taking place in 23 states, as well as at a military installation in Kabul, Afghanistan.  This year, LCA also partnered with the Australian Lung Foundation to bring Shine a Light Vigils to Australia.

"The Australian Lung Foundation is proud to be the first advocacy organization, outside of the U.S., to partner with Lung Cancer Alliance and bring their Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil down under," Lung Foundation Chief Executive Officer, William Darbishire said.

LCA is halfway to meeting this year's 100 vigil goal representing every state and Washington, D.C. There is still time to join the vigil movement and LCA will provide all the tools to host and promote a vigil in your community, including a website, media advisory, glow sticks, awareness bracelets and educational materials for those living with or at risk for the disease.  

Whether a vigil has 5 or 500 people in attendance makes no difference. Helping one person better manage a diagnosis or educating an at-risk individual about their early detection options means we are provide life-saving change today.  

"This is my second year hosting a vigil here in Lompoc, CA," said Mary Anne Rios, lung cancer survivor.  "Putting the vigil together each year and watching so many people in my community come together for  lung cancer is so rewarding and inspiring.  We are truly helping and making a difference for this disease."

If you want to join Diane, Mary Ann and others by hosting a vigil or attending one in your area let us know!  Go to www.shinealightonlungcancer.org for more information.  Attend a Vigil.  Host a Vigil.  Join the Movement!  

LCA gratefully acknowledges our national sponsors, OSI Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer.  

Lung Cancer Alliance (www.lungcanceralliance.org) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer.  LCA is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.  

Media Contact:
Kay Cofrancesco
[email protected]
202-463-2080

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance