Lung disease, including asthma, emphysema and lung cancer, is the third leading cause of death in America. Over the last decade, the death rate from lung disease has been growing faster than the death rate from almost any other killer. Since 1904, the American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease through education, community service, advocacy, and research. We are working to help those who suffer from lung disease today, and to stop the spread of lung disease tomorrow. American Lung Association of the Central States On July 1, 2006, the American Lung Association of the Central States was formed out of the merger of the local chapters in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. This merger is part of a national Organizational Effectiveness Initiative aimed at improving the way the American Lung Association serves its constituents. Through this merger, we have been able to leverage our resources to maximize our impact on the local communities that we serve. We are excited to be working in such great states and we will continue to Improve Life, One Breath at a Time. FoCelebrating its 100th anniversary, the American Lung Association works to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung diseases and breathing problems are the leading causes of infant deaths in the United States today, and asthma is the leading serious chronic childhood illness. Smoking remains the nation's leading preventable cause of death. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association has long funded vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. It is the foremost defender of the Clean Air Act and laws that protect citizens from secondhand smoke. The Lung Association teaches children the dangers of tobacco use and helps teenage and adult smokers overcome addiction. It educates children and adults living with lung diseases on managing their condition. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to www.lungusa.org.r more information about the American Lung Association of the Central States, please visit our new regional website at: www.breathehealthy.org. Logan Medical Center will have a team in the May 9 walk. Contact Dorothy Griffith at 260-4222 Event Information: Saturday, May 9, 2009 Oklahoma City Zoo NE 50th & MLK Oklahoma City, OK 73101   Registration & Timing Chips Open 8:00 AM Kid's Dash 9:00 AM 5K Starts 9:15 AM Fun Walk 9:30 AM All times are approximate.   Details: This timed and certified 5K Run/Walk will take place on a closed course outside of the Zoo grounds that heads towards Zoo Lake and Lincoln Golf Course.  NEW for 2009:The starting line and registration area will be at the East end of the Zoo parking lot.  Kid's dash entries will have time to finish their run in time to join parents on the 5K course or Fun Walk.  Timing devices for the 5K will be distributed the day of the event and must be returned.  Timing will be provided by DG Race Productions.   Proceeds: Teams and registrants are encouraged to gather sponsor pledges as part of their participation in the Clean Air Challenge, proceeds from this event benefit the American Lung Association's Oklahoma City office.  Donations and pledges can be made online at www.breathehealthy.org/OKCCAC.