Breathe Deep Deerfield lung cancer fundraiser planned for May 6

Plans are under way, participants are registering, supporters are donating, and more than $33,000 has already been raised for Breathe Deep Deerfield.

The event will help raise funds for the LUNGevity Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding the most promising research into the early detection and successful treatment of lung cancer.

The 5K fun run, one-mile walk, and balloon launch is scheduled for May 6 at 9 a.m. at Deerfield High School. Breathe Deep Deerfield expects to raise more than $75,000 and host more than 500 participants.

Breathe Deep Deerfield takes pride in having a teen committee, comprising more than 30 middle school and high school students, working on this event.

This is the first time teens are taking a major role in supporting one of LUNGevity's Breathe Deep grass-roots events, which have been taking place across the country since 2004.

Breathe Deep Deerfield also will have a balloon launch. Balloons will be released with messages in memory of those lost to lung cancer and in hope of finding a cure.

There will also be a photo booth, face painting, and games and activities for the kids, as well as the music of HYPE Productions.

Refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded in many categories, including top fundraising teams, top individual fundraisers, and the fastest male and female runners.

Breathe Deep Deerfield will pay tribute to Jill Feldman, a Deerfield mom of four, past-president of LUNGevity, dedicated volunteer, and lung cancer survivor.

In addition, the event will honor the memory of Elyse Bernstein Keefe (DHS Class of '81), who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2008. The event is also dedicated to the memories of two of LUNGevity's founders, Gayle Levy (DHS Class of '78) and Melissa Zagon, who were Deerfield residents.

These two women were young moms when they were diagnosed with lung cancer and lost their battles.

“We are very excited to engage Deerfield and the surrounding communities in this important cause,” said Sue Bersh, LUNGevity board member and Breathe Deep Deerfield volunteer event coordinator. “Lung cancer has touched so many in our community.

“We need to create awareness and raise funds for what many people don't realize is the number one cancer killer, taking more lives than breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers combined,” she added.