Driven by our mission to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy and education, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (RHAMC) has been providing services and support to the individuals living with lung diseases (including tuberculosis, lung cancer, asthma, COPD, and others) throughout metropolitan Chicago since 1906. As a local, independent non-profit organization, our current priorities include the following: Increase awareness of and resources for COPD and lung cancer; Reverse the asthma epidemic in metropolitan Chicago; Provide education and support to individuals living with lung disease; Reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke; Improve indoor and outdoor air quality; Fund national and local research to find cures and improve treatments for lung disease.   How Your Support Helps Proceeds from Skyline Plunge! Chicago benefit our mission. Did you know... Lung disease is the nation's number three killer, affecting more than one million people in metropolitan Chicago. Lung cancer kills more women than breast, cervical and ovarian cancer combined. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death.  Asthma is the number one cause of missed school days and a leading cause of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for children.  Over 36,000 Illinois teenagers start smoking every year. For more information about our initiatives, programs, and lung health events, call (312) 243-2000 or visit www.lungchicago.org.