When the news came in 2005 that her mother had lung cancer, Julie Drobny was shocked, especially since the whole family were non-smokers.

While doing research on the Internet, Drobny discovered the national Lung Cancer Research Partnership and an event called Free to Breathe 5K, which was gaining popularity on the East Coast, but had not made it west yet.

Signing on as a local chairperson, Drobny worked to organize the first Free to Breathe walk in Washington.

This Saturday, the third annual walk will take place at Dickman Mill Park, along the waterfront in Tacoma.

The event is designed to raise money specifically for lung cancer research, the number one cancer killer in America, according to the American Cancer Society.

Funds raised during the walk go to the National Lung Cancer Partnership.

For more information or to donate money, visit www.freetobreathe.org. Those interested in walking or running may register online through today, Wednesday, or beginning at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event. Registration is $25 online or $30 day of event.

The third annual Free to Breathe 5K run/walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at 2423 Ruston Way.