Ten Day Countdown!

Hard to believe there are just ten days left until event day! Are you ready? Getting team tee shirts sorted? Asking for last minute donations? Planning your carpool? So many last minute things to do as the event nears!



And don't give up your efforts on September 22 -- fundraising will stay open until November 6th!

One of our last few Welcome Wednesdays

A big welcome to our two new teams: Grandpa's Gang and Linda's Crew!

We're so excited to still be welcoming teams with less than three weeks to go! We're well on our way to having a historically successful event, thanks to our participants and volunteers.

Speaking of event day, did you check out this awesome new addition to the silent auction? Get your bids ready for an autographed 2012-2013 Celtics basketball! How cool is that?



Don't forget to invite your friends and family to "Like" our page on Facebook to stay updated as it gets closer to event day, and good luck in the last weeks of fundraising! See you on September 22.

Welcome Wednesday and Countdown!

Wow! Can you believe we are less than a month away from event day? I think we can all agree that this summer has flown by, and now it's time to kick our fundraising into high gear to get ready for Free to Breathe Chelmsford!

We'd like to welcome the following teams to our event -- glad you could join us! We'll see you in less than a month!

• Team Charlie
  
• Team Corracio
  
• Kim Lab

Welcome Wednesday

Hey everyone! Hope you were able to make it to our British Beer Company fundraiser last night. It was great fun and hopefully very successful. If not, don't worry -- you can purchase a paper lung at BBC for either $1 or $5 during the entire month of August! Proceeds go directly to Free to Breathe Chelmsford.

On another note, we'd like to welcome Team Susan to our event! Good luck fundraising, everyone -- it's hard to believe that Free to Breathe Chelmsford is only just about a month and a half away!

Announcing...

Here is the moment you've all been waiting for! The announcement of our new addition to this year's Free to Breathe event. We are really excited about it because not only is it a great way to have all teams represented and appreciated, but we think it will be pretty easy to organize and pull together, too!

We've noticed that most teams create their own tee shirts to be recognized as a group and to send their message. This year, we will be having a tee shirt display! We're going to ask Team Captains to bring us one extra tee shirt from their team so we can string up all the tee shirts together. This will make a visual model of all the people coming together to fight lung cancer at Free to Breathe Chelmsford. Here's an example of what it will look like:




Feel free to give us extra shirts from previous years if you have them, as well! Team Captains, look out for a message from Free to Breathe event chair Becky Jacobson with more information about logistics of tee shirt collecting.

And of course, don't forget that our British Beer Company fundraiser is today! Print the flyer in the below post and bring it in anytime today, and 15% of your total check will be donated to Free to Breathe.

British Beer Company Fundraiser

Happy Monday! You may have heard about our upcoming fundraiser at the British Beer Company of Westford! BBC has generously agreed to host a Free to Breathe give back night this Tuesday, August 6th. (Yes, that's tomorrow!!) Print the flyer below and present it to your server, and 15% of your total check (including alcohol) will be donated to Free to Breathe Chelmsford! There are 2 flyers included in the document below, so invite a friend -- we hope to see you there!

BBC Give Back Flyer Aug6

While you're there, pick up a paper lung (Blue = $1 and Multicolored = $5), as these proceeds are also donated to Free to Breathe. Thanks, BBC!

British Beer Company of Westford is located at 149 Littleton Road in Westford.

Another Clue!

Do you remember last week when we gave you this clue about the new addition to this year's Free to Breathe Chelmsford event?

Clue # 1

Well here's your next clue:

Clue # 2

Can you guess what our announcement will be? No, we're not making you do laundry! Stay tuned for the news in the coming weeks.

Welcome!

It's been awhile since we've been able to give a shout-out to a new team, so we're very happy to welcome Team Neversink to our Free to Breathe Chelmsford event!!

Don't forget to visit us tomorrow (Thu, Aug 1) at the Chelmsford Farmer's Market from 2-6pm on the common! We hope to see you there.

A New Addition to This Year's Event!

Planning for Free to Breathe Chelmsford is well underway! The Planning Committee met last night to decide on a few more details, and we will soon be announcing a VERY exciting addition to this year's event!

This addition will be a way to thank all of our teams and participants by putting them in the spotlight, in a way.

Can you guess what our addition will be? Here is a hint:

More clues to come, and we hope everyone will be as excited about this as we are!

An Evening at Panera - Fundraising Event!

Panera Flyer 2013

(Click the box icon on the bottom right hand corner of the preview to view this flyer in fullscreen mode.)

Please join us at Panera Bread in Chelmsford (90 Drum Hill Road) on Thursday, July 11, from 4-8 pm. A portion of each purchase will go directly to Free to Breathe Chelmsford! We hope to see you at this wonderful event.

A Wednesday Check-In

Hi Everyone!!

No new teams to welcome today -- that's understandable as it is a very busy time of year! Schools are being dismissed, summer vacations are being planned, gorgeous weather is being enjoyed.

As we enter this exciting, fun, carefree time of year, our thoughts are with our friends whose battles do not get easier in the summer, like many of our lives do. A lot of brave people are still fighting hard, and we are thinking of you and sending positive energy and love.

On another note, we are thinking about fundraising! We hope that fundraising is going well for all teams who have already registered. How are you fundraising? Asking friends and family? Holding a bake sale or car wash? Putting donation baskets out at work? There are so many ways to generate interest and funds. We want to know what's working for you! Share your most successful fundraising ideas by leaving a comment!

Welcome Wednesday & Fundraising Update

A warm welcome to our newest team, Allen's Fight to Breathe. Good luck with your fundraising, everyone!

Let's hope this rain breaks and gives us a beautiful weekend to enjoy with our loved ones.

Remember that the top 3 fundraising teams AND top 3 individuals will be specially recognized on event day! Keep up the great work -- we can't wait for September!!

Welcome Wednesday!

One new team to announce: Welcome Paw's Posse to our event - we can't wait to see you in September!

We hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy (or stay in and be cool during) this upcoming heat wave!

Friday Facts: Lung Cancer Kills

Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States? In 1987, it become the leading cause of cancer related death in women, surpassing breast cancer. Needless to say, any cancer diagnosis is a scary and serious one. But to be diagnosed with the most vicious killer in the cancer world? No one would wish such a future on even their worst enemy.

Here's how the other leading cancer deaths stack up to lung cancer deaths:



Colon, breast, pancreas, and prostate cancer deaths just about add up to equal the number of lung cancer deaths in the United States last year. Join us this year at Free to Breathe as we fund valuable research to one day beat this disease, or at least make it a livable diagnosis.

Welcome Wednesday

Two new teams this week-- woo-hoo!



A warm welcome to TEAM BUCK and Sherri's Stompers!!

Thank you to all teams and participants who have registered so early. We hope this event continues to grow in the coming months, and we know it will with your support!

Friday Facts: Dispelling a Common Misconception

A lot of people believe that lung cancer is "the smoker's disease." However, this is not true! If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. Though you surely increase your risk by smoking, this disease is not specific to smokers. Lung cancer does not discriminate.

I've spoken about lung cancer with lots of people, and I've definitely heard a person or two say, "Well, I guess they brought it upon themselves" or "Well, don't they kind of deserve it?" The answer is NO!!! NO ONE deserves to get lung cancer, or any type of cancer for that matter!

This stigma is one reason that lung cancer is one of most serious but least-funded type of cancer in our country. By raising awareness, we can help end the prejudice and educate people about how they can help.

But, of course, please don't smoke! And if you do, please quit!

Apple Blossom Parade

Look out for us at the Apple Blossom Parade in Westford this Saturday, May 18! Our team will be marching and handing out Lung Cancer Awareness bracelets as well as Save the Date cards. The parade starts at 10 am! For more info about the Apple Blossom celebrations, click here.

Welcome Wednesday!

Sorry to keep you all waiting, but here is another thrilling edition of Welcome Wednesday! We had a bit of a lull in registration which, at still about 4 months from event day, is totally understandable. But we don't want to miss this opportunity to welcome our 2 new teams:

Z28's Crusing for Anthony

and

J. Donovan's Clan

We are now at an impressive TEN teams with 37 members total and growing! Planning committee meetings are occurring once monthly with a group of truly dedicated and passionate men and women. Please feel free to contact us via Facebook, Twitter, or Email if you are interested in joining us for planning meetings! 

Let the countdown begin... We are betting that the time is sure to fly by!

Friday Facts: NLCP's view for 2022

The second edition of Friday Facts piggybacks onto the first edition. We're talking lung cancer survival rates. If you missed last week's edition, check out that post by clicking here!

This is a more uplifting and hopeful look at the shockingly low survival rates of lung cancer. Recently, the National Lung Cancer Partnership announced that they hope to double the 5-year lung cancer survival rate by 2022! Achieving such a goal will take a lot of hope and a lot of innovation and a lot of hardworking people. NLCP plans to get here by funding research, treatment, tumor testing, and clinical trials. The goal is lofty but attainable. Find out how you can help by visiting the National Lung Cancer Partnership's website.

May Updates...

Hey y'all! The weather in Massachusetts has been absolutely gorgeous for the past few days, but today scattered showers litter the forecast. While it rains and you're bored inside or at work, make sure to register for Free to Breathe or recruit your friends to your team! No one new to welcome this week, but we predict that registration will pick up as summer draws near.

A few updates... Check out Free to Breathe Chelmsford's event chair Becky Jacobson (left) alongside planning committee member Kate O'Donnell at Chelmsford's recent volunteer fair. These lovely ladies were able to generate a lot of interest in the walk, and many local residents were excited that a lung cancer awareness event has finally come to our area!

And here is planning committee member and lung cancer survivor Sue Appleby (left) representing Free to Breathe at Tewksbury's recent health fair! Many thanks to Sue for publicizing our event!

If you know of any opportunities in the near future at which Free to Breathe would be able to publicize and spread the word, please let us know by leaving a comment or shooting us an email! These could include health fairs, volunteer fairs, farmers markets, or other town events.

In addition, please feel free to contact us if you are interested in joining the planning committee or becoming an event sponsor of any kind. You can register for our event here!

Friday Facts

Welcome to the first edition of Friday Facts! This series was a suggestion from a member of Free to Breathe Chelmsford's AWESOME planning committee! Each Friday, we will share a little-known fact or two about lung cancer. Today's fact deals with lung cancer's staggering and shocking survival rates.

Lung cancer is a disease that people don't really know much about until they are directly affected by it. One of the National Lung Cancer Partnership's goals is to increase awareness of lung cancer -- we can help by giving our audience the facts about this scary sickness.

Did you know that every year in the United States, over 228,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer? Additionally, almost 160,000 die of the disease each year.

Survival rates are a grim reality, with only 16% living for more than 5 years after diagnosis. For a shocking visual, check out this graph comparing lung cancer with two other common types (breast and prostate) of cancer diagnoses.

In 2013, no one should have to face a life-threatening diagnosis. It's time to raise awareness about the seriousness of this problem in order to raise money to fund trailblazing research. Cancer makes us feel scared, helpless, angry, hopeless, lost, sick, and sad. Please feel empowered to make a change! Join us in the fight against lung cancer!

Register for Free to Breathe Chelmsford here.

*Note: Facts taken from the National Lung Cancer Partnership Website

A Happy Little Reminder for You...

Unfortunately, there are no new teams to welcome this Wednesday! Tell your friends, tell your coworkers, tell your neighbors -- you'll be surprised how many people have been affected by lung cancer somehow. It's easy to feel helpless against cancer, and walking or running at Free to Breathe Chelmsford is a great way to fight back.

We are excited for our first 8 teams that are up and running and already fundraising! Awesome job, everyone!

We leave you with a little reminder to appreciate, understand, and love yourself... And if you are in Massachusetts, get out and enjoy this beautiful weather!

2013 Boston Marathon Tragedy

When things like yesterday's Boston Marathon explosions happen, our gut reaction is to ask, "What is wrong with the world?" "What is wrong with people?" "What is this world coming to?"

The truth is that these evil things make up a very small amount of our world. We won't dwell on the evil person(s) who committed this act. We will find hope in volunteers and emergency responders, fellow Massachusetts residents, and fellow Americans. We are in this together and we are stronger than these cowardly, heartless, violent individuals.

 

 

 

 

To feel even more in solidarity with humans across our country, check out this (PG-13!) article from comedian Patton Oswalt. Or this article about local people donating rooms and resources to perfect strangers. And this article is a must read if you need to renew your faith in humanity.

Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this devastating event. Hug your families, be compassionate, live and love fully, and give back to your community.


For anyone in the Chelmsford area, there will be a Candlelight Vigil held tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 pm on the common. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.

New Teams Update!

Happy Welcome Wednesday, everyone!

Two more teams to add to our September 22 event in Chelmsford -- a warm welcome to Barb's Brigade and One Step at a Time!! Thanks for getting your teams started already. We cannot wait to see you all in the fall!

There's still plenty of time to sign up and create your team, but why wait? Register now!

Like our blog? Or just love social media? Don't forget to find and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Welcome Wednesday

It's thrilling and motivational and wonderful to see that six teams have already registered for Free to Breathe Chelmsford, over 5 months ahead of time! Participants and team leaders are really on top of their game. This week, we added two new teams. A big welcome to teams Infinity Pharmaceuticals (also a platinum sponsor!) and One Step Closer!

Photo Credits - Lucy Schultz Photography

If you have been to a Free to Breathe event before, you'll understand why these teams are so quick to register again. We can't wait until September when we can unite in the fight against lung cancer!

Photo Credits: Lucy Schultz Photography

Photo Credits: Sarah Surette

The outpouring of support is phenomenal. If you are affected by lung cancer, remember: You are not alone. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us at ftbchelmsford@gmail.com.

Don't forget to find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay updated. See you on September 22!

Wishing You A Happy Easter!

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, we wish you a happy day full of love and family.

Welcome Wednesday

Wednesday is sometimes a day to celebrate that we're halfway to the weekend. Other times, Wednesday might mean a longer work day, a doctor's appointment, or a trip to Grandma's. Here on the blog, Wednesdays will welcome newly registered teams. Registration opened only about a week ago, and we already have four teams ready to fundraise for Free to Breathe!

The Free to Breathe MA Blog extends a warm welcome to:

Deborah's Angels
Imagine
Sue's Dudes II
The Queens Court

We can't wait to see you on September 22! Best of luck meeting your fundraising goals, and your participation means so much to the fight against lung cancer.

Six Month Countdown

Good morning, fellow Free to Breathe-rs!

Think back. You are six years old. Tomorrow, you are getting on a plane and flying to Disneyland with your whole family. Can you sleep? Even though you know that the faster you get to sleep, the faster tomorrow will finally get here?

That’s kind of how we felt last night. We have been SO excited to launch our blog on this extraordinary day – today, in fact, starts the official six-month countdown to our Free to Breathe event! Free to Breathe will take place on September 22, 2013, at Harrington Elementary School in Chelmsford exactly half a year from today!

Free to Breathe is a 5K fun run and walk that raises funds to fight lung cancer. (5K is roughly 3 miles. This year, we've also added a 1-mile route!) In conjunction with the National Lung Cancer Partnership, Free to Breathe raises money that helps innovative and modern scientists discover new ways to combat this disease and offer clinical trials to test their effectiveness. Funds are also used to promote awareness and provide educational programs.

September sounds like a long way off, but we’re sure the next six months will seem to fly by (as time often does). Registration is now open, so start or join a team now - join us in the fight against lung cancer!

Check in daily, weekly, monthly… to stay updated on planning, learn about volunteer opportunities, and hear stories from survivors, fighters, and supporters.

We're looking for people to share their stories! If you'd like to be featured, contact us here at the blog: ftbchelmsford@gmail.com

Not in New England? Visit freetobreathe.org to find an event in your area.