‘Free to Breathe’ 5K to be Held in Honor of Doris Myers on Sunday

Doris Myers always wanted to see an event held in State College to honor the survivors, victims and fighters of lung cancer.

On Sunday, the ‘Free to Breathe’ 5K will be run in her memory. 

As of Thursday, 170 individuals were registered to participate in the race. Registration starts at noon, with the 5K run starting at 2 p.m. in Tom Tudek Memorial Park.

All proceeds will benefit the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs. 

Myers was an integral part of the State College community and the grandmother of Dan Myers, president and publisher of StateCollege.com.

She lost her battle with lung cancer in August. Her memory and the relationships she fostered along the way are part of what keeps the fight alive – to raise funds to find a cure, to raise awareness and to end the stigma associated with lung cancer patients. 

Jeff Jubelirer, speaking on behalf of the Lung Cancer Partnership, said all too often, lung cancer is associated with smoking cigarrettes. However, at least 15 percent of individuals who are diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked in their lives, he said. 

The 5K is so important because it breaks down those walls of association and allows survivors, family members of those who have been lost and fighters to come together to fight against a disease that doesn’t discriminate. 

According to a news release, each year lung cancer claims more lives than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. One theme of the 5K is that the statistic doesn’t have to stand and will one day be defeated. 

Online registration for the event is is now closed, but walk-up runners and walkers can register on Sunday and make their donation. Complete information can be found online.