Dear Family & Friends,
We hope this message finds you well.
March 8th last year we sent out our first request for support of the American Lung Association Trek Across Maine which was scheduled to start and end in Brunswick, ME, making a loop from Bowdoin, to Bates, to Colby and back to the starting point.
And then within a week the world turned upside down.
Suddenly the unimaginable became reality; the Boston St Patrick’s Day Parade was canceled, schools were closed, the Boston Marathon was first postponed before it transitioned like so many things in our lives to “virtual.” When the 2020 Trek Across Maine went virtual, we confidently assumed that it would be a once in a lifetime experience. How hard could it be to follow through on our commitment to ride over 180 miles in three consecutive days during Fathers’ Day weekend without all the energy from 2000 fellow riders and all the amazing volunteers and spectators. After all we had our friends and family who have supported our ride with contributions to ALA for years, and our belief that the work to fight lung disease was even more critical as we faced a new virus which we did not understand but knew made it very difficult for people to breath. So, we reimagined what it would mean to go the distance safely in three neat 20 mile loops each day from our own front door. We will not deny that it was sort of boring, but the food was great, and we didn’t miss the port-a-potties.
While not at all surprised when we received the notice that the 2021 Trek Across Maine will also be virtual, we are humbled by how naive we were in spring 2020. The staggering loss of life, the scope and scale of the social and economic dislocation where just beyond our imaginations a year ago. Despite so many divisions and struggles, the miraculous advances in science, that have given us vaccines and improved treatments. were also unimaginable.
In March 2021 we are incredibly grateful that we will soon be fully vaccinated; that our children and grandchildren, while all weary, are all safe and healthy. Living through this year has made us more aware than ever of how privileged we are to have both the resources and the health to participate in the trek each year. Many traditions share common words of wisdom. Two of phrases that continue to guide us are “To whom much is given, much will expected” and “if you can, you must.”
We know this has been a tough year for so many, but if you can, please contribute to support the important work of the American Lung Association. Every expression of your support motivates us to hit the road and rack up important training miles. Please join us in our efforts to make a difference by making a tax-deductible donation at http://action.lung.org/goto/patstanton14 or http://action.lung.org/goto/jimstanton14
Our goal is to raise $15 per mile or $2,700. Thank you for supporting CLEAN AIR!
Pat & Jim Stanton
pdstanton@gmil.com and stanton.jim@gmail.com