As event day approaches for the 7th Annual GO2 for Lung Cancer Houston event, we took some time to catch up with Janie Aranda and Kristy Rogers, the two founding members of the Houston Walk/Run.

What is your favorite aspect of serving on the event committee each year? 

Janie: My favorite part is knowing that I am one of many that has a passion for bringing awareness to lung cancer. Being involved lets me know the ins and outs of planning the event, which is a lot of hard work, but the end results are priceless to me.

Kristy:  My favorite part is connecting with others that have a connection to lung cancer. I love to hear their stories and about how happy they are to have a way to support their loved ones each year.

What is your personal connection to lung cancer?

Janie: My connection to lung cancer started when in 2010 my mom was diagnosed. After she passed in December 2012, I wanted to become more aware of lung cancer and its impact. Together with my friend Kristy, who also lost her mom to lung cancer some months after I lost mine, we sought to find an organization where we could get involved and raise awareness for the disease.

Kristy: Janie and I connected in 2013 after finding out we had both lost our mothers to lung cancer within months of each other. We searched for an event that we could attend to honor our moms, but there were no walks in Houston.  It amazed us that the fourth largest city in the U.S. did not have a walk to support lung cancer—so we decided to take the steps to change that.

Do you have any tips for others interested in volunteering?

Janie: GO2 for Lung Cancer offers helpful volunteer resources so that whether you are able to volunteer some or a lot of your time, you can get involved. All volunteers are needed when it comes to event planning or other programs that are offered. The important part is having the interest in wanting to help.

Kristy: Just jump in! When Janie and I started, we had no experience with putting together an event. But with the support of the foundation, we all made it happen!

What has surprised you most about your experience as team captains and avid fundraisers? 

Janie: What has surprised me the most is when we explain why we are involved, our personal journey, many can relate and know that I am asking for sponsorship for a cause that is very important to me.

Kristy:  What has surprised me is the amount of support we have received from friends, family and co-worker’s past and present who are like family.  It means the world to me to have their support whether they donate their time by volunteering with us, give to our fundraisers or offer an encouraging word.

What advice would you give to someone who has never fundraised? 

Janie: Get involved! You will be surprised that there are sponsors and many volunteers who will help.

Kristy: Asking for money can be a little intimidating but sharing your “why” will be key to fundraising.  Many people will support your cause if you tell your story.

Do you have any other tips for team captains or fundraisers?

Janie: Team captains are very motivated that want to lead a group that has the same passion. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to get a group together. It’s awesome to see the teams who have participated in the runs/walks.

There so are many ways to fundraise. Keep in mind there are many people who are affected by lung cancer directly or indirectly and want to help bring awareness to this cause.

Kristy: Don’t get discouraged if your team is small. Some of the smaller groups over the years have made the most impact—either with their team spirit or attire!  Just remember you are doing something great and helping others by walking and raising funds for lung cancer!

You can join Janie, Kristy, and the entire Houston community as we come together virtually for the 7th annual event, Do 2020 YOUR Way Houston, on Saturday, September 12, 2020.

Due to coronavirus, this year’s walk/run will be a virtual event titled ‘Do 2020 YOUR Way Houston’. Anyone from any community can join this virtual event and do an activity of their choice from their location on September 12th. Register or learn more today!