The Rice University community came together in a display of unity and purpose for the LUNGevity Breathe Deep Together Walk at Rice Stadium Nov. 16.
Hosted by the Rice American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI), over 250 attendees — students, faculty, local families and lung cancer survivors — joined to raise awareness for lung cancer screening.
“The event was nothing short of inspiring. Participants walked not just for themselves but for a cause bigger than any one individual — to honor loved ones, to champion early detection and to save lives,” said senior Pankti Mehta, vice president of Rice ALCSI.
“Our mission to increase awareness for lung cancer screening is especially critical here in Houston as Texas’ 10% screening rate for eligible individuals falls far below the national average of 16%,” said senior Pranav Mandyam, co-president of Rice ALCSI. “This is why we are so proud to have educated our community about the lifesaving importance of screening.”
The day featured speeches from Houston Methodist Baytown pulmonologist Houssam Ouieni, Houston Methodist Sugar Land oncology nurse navigator Joan Burnham and lung cancer survivor and advocate Daniel West. Senior Priyanka Senthil, Rice ALCSI founder and the initiative’s national executive director, made a special appearance, highlighting the enduring legacy of the mission.
The organization will also take part in the Great American Smokeout Nov. 21 in collaboration with Houston Methodist Sugar Land.
For more information about Rice ALCSI, visit its website.