Free To Help, Free To Breathe

When Rebecca “Becky” Jacobson of Westford, MA, found out her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer just a few months ago, she immediately turned the situation into a positive one.

“As soon as my mother was diagnosed, I started doing some research online about it and found about Free to Breathe,” she said. “I wanted to join so I could help change lung cancer statistics.”

One way the Merrimack Valley native is changing the future of lung cancer is by helping organize the Second Annual Free to Breathe 5K to be held in Chelmsford on Sep. 25.

“There are not too many events dedicated solely to lung cancer,” said Jacobson. “This 5K is so special because it will raise awareness and money for organizations hoping to help find a cure.”

The Free to Breathe event will include participants and sponsors from local communities.  According to Jacobson, many companies from around the area have been helpful in the fundraising process.

“Contacting companies has been the most rewarding aspect of planning the event so far,” she said. “It’s nice seeing people willing to make a difference.”

Not limiting to just local companies, Jacobson hopes community members to join in the event and help out with such an important cause.

“Even if you don’t know some one with lung cancer right now, you may in the future,” Jacobson said. “And it’s important to raise awareness about how that could affect you.”

According to the event’s local Facebook page, dozens of community members have already registered for the event. Jacobson feels this is one thing that is going to make this event successful.

“Planning the 5K has already been such a meaningful experience to me, and I’m really excited to first see how the event turns out,” she said.

Though many supporters have already volunteered their money and time to the cause, the event is still very open to people who are interested in participating.

“Even if you have never done a 5K, attempting to do it and showing support is more than enough,” said Jacobson. “I’m so excited to see how many show their support by helping out in any little way they can.”

In addition to help organize the event, Jacobson and her family members are participating the 5K, making the event an extremely personal one for her.

“I am so excited to see my family come together for this,” she said. “My brother is participating, and so are my cousins, aunts, and uncles from New Hampshire and Connecticut.” 

Jacobson’s mother is also excited about the event. “My mother is so happy and proud of me for helping me raise awareness about lung cancer,” she said.

Jacobson encourages other community members like herself to help out with the event.

“This is just such a great way to make people aware of the statistics of the disease,” Jacobson said. “I am so excited to see everyone who really wants to make a difference for lung cancer.”

Money raised from the event will go to fund the National Lung Cancer Research Partnership.