A Bedford County man diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer is embarking on an ambitious fundraising journey, running nearly 200 miles from Shelbyville to Knoxville with help from friends and family. Joshua Branson was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer in 2022. Despite that, he’s an avid runner. “Running really hasn’t been hindered from the lung cancer itself,” Branson said. While medications have helped maintain his health, he said the type of cancer he has has no cure, and current treatments won’t be effective forever.
That reality has motivated Branson to take action. He’s organizing “Joshua’s Journey,” a nearly 200-mile relay-style run from Shelbyville to Knoxville to raise money for lung cancer research and drug development. The goal is to raise $50,000 for the Sweat for Breath Foundation. As of Tuesday afternoon, he’s raised around $42,000.
Branson won’t be running alone. Family members and close friends will be on the journey with him…