In 2022, Hazel noticed a cough that just wouldn’t go away. Concerned, she saw her doctor, who ordered a CT scan—just to be safe. The results revealed something she never expected: lung cancer.
Hazel cried. Then, she took a deep breath and asked herself the question that would change everything: “What should I do next?”
A non-smoker with no known risk factors, Hazel was stunned. But she didn’t stay still for long. She got to work understanding her diagnosis and exploring her treatment options. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early—and it was treatable. Her next step was getting involved. Hazel found her way to the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk, where she volunteered and found something she didn’t know she was missing: a compassionate, support- ive community of people who understood what she had been through.
“One woman had a story similar to mine,” Hazel shared. “She was also a non-smoker and had the same surgery. We had a chance to meet, and it was so nice to relate and talk.” That connection fueled Hazel’s commitment even further. She joined a team of advocates in Washington, D.C. to share her story with lawmakers and push for increased funding, awareness, and access to early detection. As she told her fel- low advocates, “We got this.”
Why the LUNG FORCE Walk Matters
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States—yet it’s often overlooked. The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Walk is about chang- ing that. It’s about taking action, building community, and raising awareness and funds for research, early detection, and support for those impacted by lung disease. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a movement. And Hazel’s story is one of many that highlight why showing up matters.
A Free, Family-Friendly Event for Everyone
This year’s LUNG FORCE Walk, presented by Cleveland Clinic, takes place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. It’s free to attend and includes free admission to the zoo for the day—making it a perfect
event for individuals, families, teams, and workplaces to en- joy together. Whether you’re walking in honor of someone, as a survivor yourself, or simply to support the cause, this is a welcoming, community-wide event where everyone belongs.
Walk With Us
Hazel’s story began with a symptom she didn’t ignore— and while her cough turned out to be unrelated to her cancer, it may have saved her life. Her journey is a powerful remind- er that taking one small step can lead to something much bigger. Now, we’re asking you: What will you do next?
Walk for Hazel. Walk for someone you love. Walk for a future where no one faces lung cancer alone. Learn more and register at LUNGFORCE.org/Cleveland
