Friday, November 6, 2026
More than 1,000 Long Islanders gathered at Eisenhower Park for the fourth annual LUNG FORCE Walk Long Island, raising $160,000 and counting to support lung cancer research, patient programs and efforts to prevent lung disease.
The 2026 event, organized by the American Lung Association, brought together participants from across Nassau and Suffolk counties to raise awareness of lung cancer, chronic lung diseases and other respiratory conditions while showing support for patients, survivors and their families.
The morning began with an opening ceremony recognizing lung cancer survivors and individuals living with lung disease. A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed before participants made their way through Eisenhower Park for the community walk.
"This event demonstrates the tremendous commitment Long Islanders have to ending lung cancer and supporting everyone impacted by lung disease," said Erica Masin, executive director of the American Lung Association. "Every dollar raised helps advance research, expand patient support programs and move us closer to a future free of lung disease."
The walk is part of the American Lung Association's national LUNG FORCE initiative, which focuses on increasing awareness of lung cancer, promoting early detection through screening and funding research to improve treatment and survival rates.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, underscoring the importance of continued research, education and access to care.
This year's event also honored Dr. Kenneth K. Ng, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as the 2026 LUNG FORCE Walk Long Island Medical Honoree in recognition of his contributions to lung cancer care and treatment.
Ng is a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in thoracic malignancies, including lung cancer, and serves as a member of Memorial Sloan Kettering's Thoracic Medical Oncology Service.
He earned his undergraduate degree from City College through the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program before receiving his medical degree from the University at Buffalo. He completed his residency at North Shore Medical Center and an oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Since its launch in 2023, LUNG FORCE Walk Long Island has raised more than $400,000 to advance the American Lung Association's mission of improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
Funds raised through the annual event support research into new treatments, advocacy initiatives and programs that provide resources and assistance to people living with lung disease and their families.
Although this year's walk has concluded, fundraising efforts remain underway. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 30 at LUNGFORCE.org/longisland.
