One Mighty Force: New Jersey Residents Unite to End Lung Cancer at LUNG FORCE Walk on September 20
On Saturday, September 20 the American Lung Association in New Jersey is uniting people across the state as one mighty force to come together to end lung cancer and lung disease at the 11th annual LUNG FORCE Walk at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater with a fundraising goal of $135,000. The event will also honor Dr. Faiz Bhora, Regional Chair of Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery for Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) Network’s Central Region, for his leadership in lung cancer treatment and compassionate patient care.
The LUNG FORCE Walk is a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness. For the event, participants can choose between a 1-mile and 3-mile walk at Duke Island Park on September 20, 2025 and we are encouraging people to register today at LUNGFORCE.org/newjersey. Many participants join to walk in honor of a loved one or just want to get active for a cause, this is a great way for individuals, families, and corporate teams to come together and show their support.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among people in the U.S. and someone is diagnosed with the disease about every two minutes. But there is hope! More people than ever are surviving lung cancer. The survival rate has increased by over 44% in the past decade.
This year’s medical honoree is Dr. Faiz Bhora (pictured below), a highly accomplished physician executive and academic surgeon. Dr. Bhora is nationally and internationally recognized for his clinical practice, which focuses on robotic thoracic and advanced airway surgery.
“I am honored to be recognized as this year’s Medical Honoree by the American Lung Association at the LUNG FORCE Walk New Jersey,” said Dr. Faiz Y. Bhora, Director of Advanced Lung and Airway Center for the Central Region of Hackensack Meridian Health. “From robotic bronchoscopy and robotic surgery to precision medicine using targeted therapies, we are truly transforming lung cancer care and offering patients new hope. Philanthropy is at the heart of this progress, and events like the LUNG FORCE Walk are vital in raising awareness and supporting patients and families.”
Here in New Jersey, more than 5,420 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025 alone. But there is hope as more people than ever are surviving lung cancer. The national lung cancer survival rate has improved 26% and in New Jersey 21% over the last five years.
Participants can sign up today at LUNGFORCE.org/newjersey. Funds raised through the walk directly support the Lung Association’s mission to defeat lung cancer, improve air quality, reduce the burden of lung disease, and eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related illnesses.
Thank you to our local LUNG FORCE Walk sponsors, including Gold Sponsor Johnson & Johnson, Bronze Sponsors Protect Environmental and ScreenNJ, and LUNG FORCE Hero Sponsor Hackensack Meridian Health.
