Tiffany and Cheryle Williams Hope To Raise Awareness For Lung Cancer

In Connecticut, lung cancer takes more lives than any other type of cancer each year. Local residents can join the fight against the disease at the Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk on September 16, with all proceeds benefiting the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs.

Berlin's Cheryle and Tiffany Williams, mother and daughter, who lost the most important man in their lives to lung cancer.

"My father passed away from lung cancer and I wanted to do something to raise awareness," Tiffany Williams said. "I went online to look for ways to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer and I couldn't find anything. I finally found this event and this will be the second time we are doing it."

Williams’ father John was 57 when he passed away.

"They told him he would have two or three years when he was diagnosed but he was stage four when he was diagnosed," Tiffany said. "But we only got one year with him."

At Tiffany Williams' place of business, they have a 'jean day' on Friday where employees pay $5 to be able to wear jeans on Fridays. Every week, the money goes to charity and they are going to donate to Williams' cause, the walk.

"We are not doing as well as we did last year as far as raising money goes," Tiffany said. "My mom had surgery on her knee and I've been taking care of her so I don't have a lot of time to get out there and raise money."

Williams' personal page states why she is participating.

"Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love. I am participating in 'Free to Breathe's' event because in June 2010 I lost my father to stage four lung cancer. What I realized is with this disease you can't choose a date or how long it will take for someone to survive, or lose their battle. You hear the words 'I have cancer' and your whole life changes in that one second. We were told three years, and it took one.

"I am walking in this event to help raise money towards a cure, and try and help those currently affected, so they become survivors and don't lose their battle. I also am doing this to help raise more awareness for lung cancer and to make it more well known. We need to find a cure, and we need to fast so no one else has to suffer from this disease."

To donate to Williams' cause, go _here._

WHAT: Register today for the Free to Breathe Glastonbury 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk, a family-friendly event that brings the entire community together to inspire hope and create change for everyone impacted by lung cancer. Together, we can fuel the movement to defeat this disease and help those diagnosed live longer, better lives.
 
All proceeds help support the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s vital research, education and awareness programs. For more information, to register or donate, visit _www.FreetoBreathe.org/glastonbury_.
 
WHEN: Sunday, September 16
8:30 a.m. - Registration & check-in open
9:30 a.m. - Welcome & rally
9:50 a.m. - Tot Trot*
10:00 a.m. - 5K run
10:03 a.m. - 5K walk
10:05 a.m. - 1-mile walk
11:00 a.m. - Closing rally: fundraising awards & silent auction winners announced
(*youth ages 5 and younger)
 
WHERE: Glastonbury High School
330 Hubbard Street, Glastonbury, Conn. 06033

REGISTER: Online (closes Sept. 12): $25
Mail-In (must be received by Sept. 7): $28
Event Day (beginning at 8:30 a.m.): $30