Running Lungs Scottsdale

Why Lung Cancer holds a peculiar distinction...and doesn't have to be the #1 cancer killer.

Lung Cancer is the least researched major cancer. According to data presented to the 16th World Conference of Lung Cancer, rates among those whom have Never smoked are surging. Lung Cancer tops all other malignancies worldwide.

American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 220,000 new lung cancer cases in 2016 with 160,000 deaths in the U.S. That's equal to the number of deaths attributed to the next four cancers - Breast, Prostate, Colon and Pancreatic combined. Lung Cancer tops all other cancers worldwide.

Lung cancer in women is rising. RUNNING LUNGS RACES have is coming to communities to introduce fun lung facts to remove the stigma that lung cancer is just a smoker's disease.

Linda Wortman, was an active woman and never smoked. She was shocked to be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008 at Mayo Clinic. After treatment and recovery, her loving husband, Jerry, helped LInda find a new passion of running with only a lung and a half. They have completed a 5K race in 50 states. Now they are running a 10K race in every continent and most recently co-founded Wortman Lung Cancer Foundation 501(c)(3) and RUNNING LUNGS Run/Walk Events. RUNNING LUNGS RACES are currently being held in MN, AZ, MT & FL.

Linda and Jerry run to fight the unfair stigma associated with lung cancer. Everyone knows people shouldn't smoke, but any blame or stigma attached to lung cancer needs to disappear. Shockingly, Linda was required to attend Nicotine Rehab, even though she never smoked. Her life insurance was cancelled and she was told, "you should be dead". As oncologist and funders point out: "Low funding levels for lung cancer are a vicious cycle that results in fewer scientists getting on the case, this must be changed.".

RUNNING LUNGS mission:

To help create lung cancer awareness and rasie funds for lung health and lung cancer research to help save lives. Shockingly 40% of those diagnosed never smoked or stopped years before their diagnosis. Scientific findings including lifesaving CT scanning, must be released to the public through the media in ways that are meaningful to people and their loved ones.

All profits benefit Mayo Clinic Lung Research RACE + RESEARCH = RESULTS