We were honored to serve as both a sponsor and participant in the 3rd Annual LUNG FORCE Pickleball Tournament held in February at Pickles at Forté. Together, we raised our paddles to increase awareness for lung cancer which is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women. The funds raised during the tournament go directly toward lifesaving research and vital early detection initiatives. Many of AlohaCare employees who participated in the tournament took home medals! Congrats! A special mahalo to Carmen Jamal and Jason Chen for organizing our sponsorship and participation in this event!
Why We Play: The History of LUNG FORCE
The American Lung Association founded LUNG FORCE in 2014 to unite the nation against lung cancer and address the unique risks facing women. Over the last decade, this initiative has become a powerful movement to de-stigmatize the disease and double the investment in lung cancer research. In Hawaii, the LUNG FORCE Pickleball Tournament has grown into a key annual tradition, bringing together business leaders, families, and players to support the state’s specific health needs.
Lung Cancer in Hawaii: The Importance of Our Support
While we have much to celebrate, recent data highlights why our local efforts are so critical. According to the American Lung Association in Hawaii:
- A Leading Threat: Lung cancer remains the #1 cancer killer in Hawaii and across the U.S.
- The Challenge of Early Diagnosis: Hawaii currently ranks near the bottom in the nation for early diagnosis rates (21.8% compared to the national average of 28.1%).
- A Call for Screening: Only about 14.9% of those at high risk in Hawaii are currently being screened, yet early detection through low-dose CT scans can reduce the death rate by up to 20%.
Our participation helps fund the Lung Health Navigator services and advocacy for policies like mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, which can provide more personalized and effective treatment options for residents.
Learn more about the community impact of the most recent tournament here: Pickleball tournament raises thousands for lung cancer awareness
