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Family, friends support lung disease research, advovacy

American Lung Association’s 8th annual LUNG FORCE Walk Rehoboth held Oct. 17 at Bandstand
Roughly 100 people participated Oct. 17 in the 8th annual LUNG FORCE Walk Rehoboth. The walk supports research, advocacy and education for lung diseases, lung cancer and COVID-19. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
October 19, 2021

Story Location:
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

The American Lung Association in Delaware recently hosted its 8th annual LUNG FORCE Walk Rehoboth at the Rehoboth Beach bandstand. The Oct. 17 event supports research, advocacy and education for lung diseases, lung cancer and COVID-19.

The Rob Kalesse Spirit Award was presented to Leslie Ruth. She was there walking in memory of her mom, who died in 2009 from complications of COPD. The award is named in honor of Rob for the determination, spirit and hope that he brought to all.

All proceeds from the LUNG FORCE Walk will directly fund lung cancer and disease research, advocacy and education, including smoking cessation programs, COPD/asthma management, and advocacy for strong clean air standards, as well as support the lung association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. 

The LUNG FORCE Walk Rehoboth fundraising goal is $70,000. For more information, go to LUNG FORCE.org/rehoboth.

For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or go to Lung.org.

This year’s top fundraisers for the walk are (l-r) Stacey Henry, Cristina Kalesse, Shelley Perry, Janet Mitchell and Melissa Schriber.
Standing with his kids Peter, Michele and Christal, David Manniel says a few words of thanks for all the hard work done in memory of his wife and their mother Christine Manniel.
A large portion of the crowd was there to show their Christine Strong support.
Friends and family send words of love.
Cathy Balsley lost her sister Janet Lamon 10 years ago. She walks every year in her honor.
Rob Kalesse’s brother Jeff proudly shows off who he’s walking for.
Leslie Ruth lost her mom over a decade ago to COPD. She was awarded the Rob Kalesse LUNG FORCE Spirit Award for her continued fight.

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Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.

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