Just two weeks after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Wareham's Jim Cormier passed away from the incurable lung disease in 2010. The diagnosis came as a shock to his family, who had never heard of the condition before then.

Now, they are raising awareness for the disease with the third annual Jim Cormier Canal Walk, set for Sept. 24 starting at 11 a.m. along the Cape Cod Canal.

Mary Beth Cormier, Jim's wife, said that location was chosen due to its accessibility and because it was one of her husband’s favorite walking spots.

“It’s an easy walk whether you’re in a wheelchair or pushing a baby carriage and we felt everyone should be able to participate,” she said. “He loved to walk every morning and especially loved the canal. We though it would be perfect.”

Last year, the walk raised $10,000. That’s up from $7,000 the prior year. Cormier said organizers want to again raise $10,000. Proceeds benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The foundation works to raise awareness and support research into pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring of the lungs.

To sign up online for the walk, visit http://secure.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/CanalWalk2017.

Cost to register online before the walk is $10 and $15 the day of the walk. Children 10 and younger participate for free. Meet at 70 Main St. in Buzzards Bay.

For more information on pulmonary fibrosis, visit www.fightingpulmonaryfibrosis.com.