WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's ChoiceFree To Breathe Delmarva 5K Run Raises $18,000

LEWES, Del. - Lung cancer is responsible for 29 percent of all cancer deaths throughout the country.

On Sunday, people all across Delmarva hit the pavement to help patients live longer. WMDT's Ashley James and Ryan Hughes emceed the second annual Free To Breathe Delmarva 5K Run. It's one of only 35 events nationwide to help raise awareness and research for the deadly disease. Ali Pickard is walking this year for her mother and her future. The 38-year-old was diagnosed last year with stage four lung cancer.

"I went into the hospital with some random side effects, had no signs about it, I was in there for a week and came out with stage 4 lung cancer," said Pickard.

She's undergone radiation and chemotherapy. For a woman who has not been given a good outlook by doctors, she's already beating the odds.

"I made it a year and that is past statistics already."

170 people registered for the run for all different reasons, but Delmarva Event Chair Brian Brubaker says they help serve as one voice for a disease that often gets overlooked.

"Lung cancer takes more lives than breast, colon and prostrate cancers combined and that's shocking because not too many people realize that," said Brubaker.

Lung cancer has been deemed a "smokers disease," but for people like Pickard who has never touched a cigarette, she's now relying on her support group and a positive outlook to help her survive the fight of her life.

"Find the little things that put a smile on your face to get you through the next day and surround yourself with the people that matter and keep going," said Pickard.

This year's event has helped raise about $18,000. Officials say they will be back for a third time next year, and hope to add a second event to help raise more money.