Southampton - This past Sunday, August 14, 2011, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation's Sixth Annual Strides For Life three-mile run and walk was held on Pond Lane and the border of historic Lake Agawam. Despite the rain, the event had many energetic and passionate supporters running and walking for the amazing cause.

A big celebration at the finish line! (Photo Courtesy: Anne Fletcher Photography)

This year was the fourth year that Fox-5 co-host Rosanna Scotto had the duty of being the Mistress of Ceremonies, and co-chairs of this year's event included Laurie Cameron Carson, Nancy Y. Hebet, Wendy Routh, Kimberley Kravis Schulhof, Lynne Tarnopol, and Rose Ann Weinstein.

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is critical it is fundraising as every dollar raised goes to research to find better tools and a diagnosis for treatment of the deadly disease that takes more lives each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer. The three-mile run/walk is the largest annual fundraising race for lung cancer research on Long Island and the signature event of the foundation.

Before the race, Scotto shared her emotional and inspirational story of her experiences of loosing loved ones. "I lost my uncle to lung cancer but seeing everyone here makes this a very special day for this invisible disease." The reflections of others truly are a motivational tool as the runners took their place and were soon off to race in honor of those who have been lost. In the past six years Strides for Life has raised over $2.5 million for lung cancer research.

President of Lung Cancer Research Foundation Laurie Cameron Carson and a young runner. (Photo Courtesy: Anne Fletcher Photography)

Many people raced as a part of a team and within those teams were the captains leading the way including Gambrelle Snyder who was leading Team JPS in honor of her father. "I lost my dad 10 years ago and he is the reason behind me running this race and getting my team together for the fourth year in a row." Although Synder was sidelined this year due to injury her leadership never weakened "even though I can't race today I will be there every step of the way cheering my team on and that's what it means to be a great leader."

Over 1,100 people registered and despite the rain, there were over 700 participants. Additionally, more than $420,000 was raised for lung cancer research. Southampton native and Founder and President of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation Laurie Cameron Carson talked about her own experiences. "I lost my brother and my father to lung cancer and it is so great to see so many families here today. So many people now understand the disease and understand the cause." As a motivational speech to the runners before the race, Carson said, "Just because it is raining does not mean people stop having lung cancer" which was a reminder to all the terrible disease and importance of them being there.

Carson continued to say "We have a family here running today from Philadelphia who lost a family member earlier this week and are having the services on Monday, but still came out here to run and support the cause."