Clarke To Lead Team DCI At 2018 LUNGe Forward 5K

The Lung Cancer Inititative of North Carolina will host its 12th annual LUNGe Forward 5K on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m. at Midtown Park at North Hills in Raleigh, North Carolina. Team Duke Cancer Institute will be led this year by Jeffrey Clarke, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in cancers of the chest, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

"I have personally seen far too many people and families touched by lung cancer," said Clarke.  "I am very proud to lead the Duke Cancer Institute team this year in fighting back along with the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina. It is always a very moving and incredible experience for me each year joining countless families and friends at the race to support such a wonderful organization and important cause."

The Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina is the state’s leading non-profit organization supporting lung cancer research and education. In 2015, through a collaboration between the Lung Cancer Initiative and The V Foundation, Clarke received a $200,000 grant for his research to to study: "Identification of Genetic Determinants for Disparities in African American Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer." This year, the two organizations awarded a $200,000 grant to Duke Cancer Institute's Qingyi Wei, MD, PhD.

The Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina also specializes in connecting patients, survivors and family members with the medical and research community.

According to the Lung Cancer Initiative, about 8,559 North Carolinians are diagnosed with lung cancer, and more than 6,186 are expected to succumb to the effects of their disease this year. Since 2008 the Lung Cancer Initiative has funded more than $1.1 million in lung cancer research in North Carolina. Partnering with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the two non-profits have together awarded a $200,000 grant this year to Duke's Qingyi Wei, MD, PhD, whose research focuses on disparities among African-Americans.

The event features a post-race celebration with activities for the entire family. For more information or to join honorary team captain Jeffrey Clarke, MD, and Team Duke Cancer Institute, visit Team Duke Cancer Institute.