This is my first year riding in the Clean Air Challenge but it's for a cause that's very near and dear to my heart.  My mother passed away at the very young age of 46 with emphysema. I was 26 at the time of her death, far too young to loose my mom.  As a teenager, I experienced my mom having many coughing "fits" that resulted in her struggling to catch her breath.  As an adult, 40 years later, I still get chills if I am in the presence of someone having a similar coughing "fit."

I am joining thousands of other cyclists and the American Lung Association to raise money to fight lung disease and increase awareness about the importance of lung health.

Lung disease can take someone's breath away, leaving them unable to work, exercise or play. Growing faster than almost any other major illness, lung disease, including lung cancer, asthma and emphysema is the third leading cause of the death in the United States.

Please join me in my efforts to make a difference by making a personal or corporate tax-deductible donation. Anything you can give would be very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance for you support!