Saturday's rainy weather didn't stop more than 500 Long Islanders from participating in the first ever "Lung Force Walk" in East Meadow.

The American Lung Association-sponsored event at Eisenhower Park was intended to raise awareness and money for lung disease research and education.

Former News 12 morning anchor Carol Silva - a two-time cancer survivor - was recognized at the opening ceremony. She said that she wasn't surprised at the outpouring of support in the wet weather.

"When you fight cancer, you're a warrior. When you fight other lung diseases, you're a warrior, and the people who support you are warriors too. So it doesn't surprise me that everybody is here in the rain, what's a little rain?" Silva said.

Organizers hoped to raise more than $115,000.