DENVER -- In July, Peggy Dennis received some shocking news.
The 58-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. Dennis, a massage therapist, has never smoked.
"It was so hard to take in, because I’ve been an advocate for healthy lifestyles," said Dennis.
Smoking definitely raises your risk for lung cancer, but every day, the disease kills men and women who have never picked up a cigarette.
The advocacy group Free to Breathe says this year more than 2,500 people in Colorado will be diagnosed with lung cancer. It's the leading cause of cancer deaths. Lung cancer is often not diagnosed until the later stages, when symptoms like a cough or chest pain show up.
Free to Breathe is on a mission to double the survival rate from lung cancer by the year 2022. On Sunday, Oct. 2, supporters will gather in Denver's Washington Park to raise money for research and advocacy.
You can register for the 5k or walk by visiting the Free to Breathe registration page. Registration begins Sunday at 7:30 am. The 5k and walk start at 9 am.
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