Each Impacted by Lung Cancer, Local Advocates Lead Charge Against the Number One Cause of Cancer Deaths

Today, the American Lung Association in South Florida is recognizing three community leaders—a lung cancer survivor, the loved one of a survivor and a pulmonologist—who share the organization’s mission to defeat lung cancer and lung disease. They are participating in the first-ever LUNG FORCE Leaders competition, with the winner receiving the “Lighting the Way Champion” Award, powered by Florida Power & Light Company. The winner will be announced during the Lung Association’s annual fundraising event, the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree held at the Addison of Boca Raton on Friday, June 7.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and anyone can get this disease. In Florida, it is estimated that more than 18,600 people, more than any other state, will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone. Funding research, encouraging lung cancer screening and reducing stigma around the disease saves lives.

“With the debut of the ‘Lighting the Way Champion’ Award, we’re harnessing the power of the true stars of the Sunset Soiree: the LUNG FORCE Leaders, who are the embodiment of persistence and passion for this cause,” said Juliet Roulhac, director of external affairs for Broward and SW Florida for Florida Power & Light Company and director of corporate philanthropy for NextEra Energy, Inc. “These lung cancer advocates work tirelessly with the Lung Association to help create a future free of lung cancer and lung disease here in Florida and beyond, bringing lung cancer out of the darkness and into the light. FPL is honored to support this initiative to help power strong communities and make them even better places to live, work and raise a family.”

The following LUNG FORCE Leaders have spent the past months raising critical funds and awareness to help find a cure for lung cancer:

• Glenn Singer, MD:  Dr. Singer, a pulmonologist, has served the Fort Lauderdale community for more than 40 years. He has made it his mission to make a difference in the lives of people impacted by lung cancer and lung disease. Dr. Singer has been a member of the Lung Association’s South Florida Local Leadership Board since 2009 and previously served as board president. He is proud to be a LUNG FORCE Leader and advancing the Lung Association’s mission on behalf of his patients.
• Riley Burke: Burke has been driven to support the LUNG FORCE mission for the past four years in honor of his stepmother June Ross Burke. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 following a routine wellness check. Despite surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer returned, and she is currently undergoing trial therapy. Both Burke and Ross Burke are committed to highlighting the importance of research, early screening and support for those fighting lung cancer and their families.
• Stacey Eisdorfer: In 2019, Eisdorfer was diagnosed with lung cancer at just 60 years old. Following a lobectomy and chemotherapy, the cancer is in remission. In fact, she just celebrated four years of being cancer-free. She credits early detection for saving her life and is a passionate advocate for early detection initiatives.

“By inspiring and empowering our communities stand together against lung cancer, our LUNG FORCE Leaders serve an integral role in forwarding our shared mission,” said Chrissy Cohen, executive director for the Lung Association in Florida. “Dr. Glenn Singer, Riley Burke and Stacey Eisdorfer are leading the charge here in South Florida, and we’re proud to recognize their accomplishments at next month’s LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree alongside our partner, Florida Power & Light.”

The LUNG FORCE Leader who collects the highest number of votes will receive the “Lighting the Way Champion” Award, presented by Florida Power & Light Company. ($1 = 1 Vote).

The Sunset Soiree’s theme is “Glamour in the Gilded Age,” with the historic Boca Raton estate providing a perfect backdrop for an evening of elegance, entertainment and inspiration. Guests will enjoy custom experiences in our Posh Parlor, interactive activations, live music and dancing, immersive photo experiences, tempting Silent and Live Auctions, themed cocktails and more.

The Memorial Cancer Institute LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree, presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation and hosted by the American Lung Association, raises funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and outreach in vulnerable communities.

For tickets or more information about the event, visit LUNGFORCESunsetSoiree.org.