The Lung Cancer Awareness Flag designed by Stephanie Rodriguez
*Photos by Paul W. Wang

PERTH AMBOY – Stephanie Rodriguez, the founder of the United Messengers of Peace, a registered 501(c)3 spearheaded the following events:

The Lung Cancer Awareness Flag raised in City Hall Circle.

She was inspired to bring lung cancer awareness to the public in memory of Raul Torres Garcia, who was a Board of Trustee Member who succumbed to this disease. The day started out with a flag raising in City Hall Circle.

The flag which was designed by Rodriguez features the color of aquamarine known as the sailor’s color because it is the color of the ocean. It represents peace, tranquility, happiness and the endless life. Red is the color of fire and blood. It’s associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire and love. The ribbon is used as an awareness symbol. It started with the yellow ribbon in 1955 as it was used to bring awareness with situation with the troops.

Lung Cancer knows no bounds whether it be age, gender or race. Non-smokers are at risk as well as smokers. Lung Cancer kills twice as many women than any other cancer. Around 10% of men and 15% of women who have the disease never smoked.

Lung Cancer is the most underfunded cancer research in the world.

Later that afternoon there was a conference and dinner at the Perth Amboy YMCA.

The Lung Cancer Awareness Conference at the Perth Amboy YMCA.