Walking to find a cure for lung cancer

More than 100 men, women, children, babies and dogs took a walk in the park to support lung cancer research on Saturday.

Some walked, some ran, on two legs or four. A few toddlers took in the view from strollers.

The seventh annual Breathe Deep NEPA 5K Walk/Fun Run started soon after the sun popped out to dry the ground from Saturday’s early morning rain.

Many of the participants walked in honor or memory of a family member who battled or is battling lung cancer, said organizer Pauline Makowski, of Kingston.

Makowski’s late husband, Allan Makowski Sr., died from lung cancer in 2009 and his family and friends founded the Breathe Deep NEPA event in his memory.

The $25 registration fee for the event will go to the nonprofit Lungevity, which finances research efforts to find a cure for lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, Makowski said.

The organization supports 118 separate research projects, she said.

The route for Saturday’s walk/run started at Martz Pavilion in Kirby Park, continued across the Market Street Bridge into downtown Wilkes-Barre, then wound back to and through the park to its finish.

The Granville family of Peckville stopped near the finish line to share their thoughts on the event and their personal fight against cancer.

Melissa Granville took part for the second straight year to support her father, who is fighting lung cancer.

“It’s a hard battle,” she said.

The battle is especially tough for lung cancer patients because of the stigma attached to the disease, which some attribute to smoking, a conscious choice, Granville said.

Thomas Granville, Melissa’s husband, said he was there to support all cancer patients and their loved ones.

“I just think cancer is terrible all-around,” he said.

source: citizensvoice.com