Stephanie Makowski and dad

June 8 marked 10 years since my father passed from lung cancer. It’s hard to believe how quickly time can pass. It seems like just yesterday he and I were fishing together or discussing life. Since his passing, my family and a local Pennsylvania committee coordinate a 5k Walk & Fun Run in his memory which raises funds for lung cancer research and awareness. The proceeds benefit the Lungevity Foundation, the nation’s leading nonprofit to fund and raise awareness for lung cancer. According to recent studies, one in 14 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime; it is my hope with our annual event that we as a committee and the participants and donors of the walk can educate the public and offer an outlet for comfort for caregivers and survivors as well.

My mother and the entire committee have been busy getting everything together. The grand raffle is full of fantastic prizes, and we are slowly but surely getting closer to our $20,000 goal daily. The event will be held in Northeastern Pennsylvania on Sunday, June 23. If you’re in the Northeast and would like to participate, or if you can donate toward our fundraising goal, it would be greatly appreciated. I’m fundraising in memory of my Dad, but anyone who has been touched by cancer of all types is encouraged to donate if they can by clicking on this link, www.lungevity.org/nepa. Once we can find a cure for one type of cancer, it may lead the way for positive influence toward curing all types of cancer down the road.

Breathe Deep NEPA 2018

Breathe Deep NEPA 2018

Breathe Deep NEPA 2018

As a frequent traveler, I think it is great to try to give back in small ways wherever possible. Lungevity Foundation is the nonprofit I am most involved in presently, but I’d like to hear more about what fuels others’ involvement with nonprofits. Do you donate or participate based on the need, the cause or is it fueled by a personal connection? Every act of kindness has a great effect on the world; continue to do your part wherever possible.

— Stephanie Makowski, account executive