In front of Hec Edmundson Pavilion, walkers clutching water bottles, families with strollers and panting dogs gathered to begin a 5k fundraiser walk for asthma.

The fifth annual American Lung Association Asthma Walk kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with music like “Cha Cha Slide” and group pictures. The event provided money for lung disease research and education.

The walk was presented by Children’s Hospital in conjunction with the regional chapter of the American Lung Association. Walks across the United States have become the association’s primary form of research fundraising

“Research is one of the core areas that the American Lung Association of Washington is continuing to give to,” said Paul Payton, American Lung Association of Washington director of communications. “As federal funding is flatlining, local groups are stepping up.”

The Seattle walk kicked off Asthma Awareness Month, as well as World Asthma Day, which is tomorrow. The event coincided with walks being held across the nation to raising money for local research and advocacy

In Washington state, the majority of lung related research takes place at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), Payton said.

Dr. Lynn Schnapp is a pulmonary physician at the UWMC and works specifically with lung injury and repair. She was team captain of the Sunday walker team, the Respiratory Rangers.

“This [event] supports not only asthma but research of all lung disease in the Northwest,” Schnapp said. “All the funds raised by this stays in the local community in research, advocacy and education.”

Education is a key element in promoting awareness of lung disease, especially in regards to laws, Schnapp said.

“There used to be a law … [that] kids couldn’t bring inhalers to school,” she said

Research is the biggest focus of the American Lung Association.

“Asthma is a big issue in our community,” Payton said. “We need to better understand what contributes to asthma [and] what triggers it.”

There are currently more than 500,000 people living in Washington with asthma, and 150,000 people living with asthma in King County, according to the American Lung Association.

Although the disease is treatable, it causes approximately 4,000 deaths a year. Payton hopes the research would one day lead to a cure.

Sunday morning speakers expressed optimism, while also stressing the importance of the foundation.

“Did you know asthma doesn’t have a cure?” Dr. Greg Redding, of the UWMC pediatric pulmonary division, asked the crowd. “Asthma is the number one reason kids miss school. We need better education and better services. That’s our goal. That’s why we’re here.”

Many of the walkers were connected to asthma research, and treatment at local health clinics. A large portion of the crowd also had asthma, including many of the small children who walked with family and friends.

Third year pharmacy student Petey Sonnett said she walked as a supporter of the cause.

“Asthma is a really big problem, and pharmacy plays a really big role in treatment. I’m just out here in support,” she said.