Hundreds Gather To Support The Movement To Defeat Lung Cancer - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

LEWES, Del. - Hundreds across our area laced up and hit the pavement at the 3rd annual Free to Breathe Delmarva 5K.

They join thousands across our nation in the movement to defeat lung cancer - the number one cancer killer in America. Survivors took the podium to send out messages of hope. "There's so many negative stories out there and people need to know it's not a death sentence, it really isn't," lung cancer survivor Mary Brinsfield said.

Susan Smedley Gerber was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer at just 32 years old. Now cancer free, she works to raise awareness and educate people of misconceptions. "There is no typical profile. Everyone has a different story and it isn't just about smoking. It's not. Unfortunately if you have lungs, you're at risk and that's a scary reality, but it's also a true reality," she said.

Fellow journalist Greta Kreuz is living proof. "I was diagnosed in March - no symptoms, never smoked in my life. And I realized so much has to be done. Nobody deserves to die from this disease," she said.

Ali Pickard, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, continues her battle and tells us it's her family and friends that pull her through. "They have made me, I think, get to this point in time when doctors didn't think I would make it to this stage. And I always say there's always a tomorrow, and there is," she said.

We're told the event raised at least $20,000 and counting as fundraising stays open. To make a donation and support the cause, go to www.freetobreathe.org/delmarva.