Nate Gray of Deerfield ran in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes supporting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

He chose to run the marathon to celebrate the fact he’d quit smoking two years ago, and now feels healthier than ever.

“I smoked for 20 years and finally gave it up cold turkey,” Nate said. “I wanted to do something to celebrate my accomplishment and to have something to work toward.”

Nate wanted to run with a charity team and chose to join Lung Power Team because of the relevance it has to his life. As a former smoker, he appreciates the educational programs and research Respiratory Health Association supports.

“I like that they have local programs, and aren’t just focused on pharmaceutical solutions to lung disease,” Nate said. “It’s great that they offer support groups to help people quit smoking and that they back clean air initiatives. Their work is critical, especially because it’s helping my hometown.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support lung disease research, advocacy and education. For more information on the Lung Power Team, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/lung-power-team/.