Take 13!! Here's the update for my Trek Across Maine, 2023! 

This year marks the 17th anniversary since losing my father to emphysema in April of 2006. I ride the Trek Across Maine in his honor. I ride also for all with lung disease. 

My father died at 78 years old, a man, who was still teaching one course a semester on the subject he loved, also an avid sports fan and community sports organizer, who was unable to draw sufficient air into his body to comfortably walk across a room without getting short of breath. As the years pass, I continue to reflect on all the wonderful milestones and experiences that my father has missed in those passing years, both with family and in his community. Events with family and grandchildren, multiple Red Sox World Series?! Patriot Superbowl wins!! I'm sure he would still watch games with his special style of support, but he would be beside himself with all the success of his teams. 

In the past several years, I have also lost three wonderful friends, non-smoking women, to lung cancer. a cancer that is mysteriously on the rise, so heart-breaking. I also thinking of all those whom I've treated who suffer(ed) from lung disease, and that our poor air quality likely impacts other disease processes and cancers. These reasons, ease, to a degree, the somewhat onerous task of requesting money from everyone I know, and a few strangers, and then badgering them all relentlessly until they come forth with a donation. COVID 19 also is impactful to lung health, and the ALA is doing great work on various aspects of research and outreach. 

Thankful to be back to the live, in-person Trek that is so inspiring, meeting people with a common goal, the comaraderie of riding together for 180 miles over three days, and all the food. I lead a great team of people, all motivated fund-raisers, and all riding for their own personal reasons.

Now sending out the request for money. I know this year is tough for many,, but please consider a donation if you can. 

All donations support the American Lung Association, and are tax deductible. Any amount, really, any amount is great, it all adds up!

I wish to again thank everyone who has made a donation and contributed to my wonderful success in supporting the ALA through this event in the past. I am honored and humbled that so many friends, family, and acquaintances (and a few random strangers) choose to make donations so consistently to this cause. Thanks to you, I have personally raised over $26,000 in donations during my 12 years of riding the Trek, and captained a team that did some fantastic fund-raising (TOP FIVE)! I'm so proud of my mightly little team (member #-wise, as last year we were four).  Thank you, in advance, for any amount you can donate (the site accepts as low as $5), again no amount is too small, and to any new donors, you are most appreciated and welcome! I will keep you posted on my progress, as I train and log miles.

I appreciate anything, of any amount, that you are able to donate, it all helps and it adds up!! Again, donations are tax deductible, and if you have company matching, that is supported, as well. 

Thank You in advance for for your support!

All the best, Mary

Donating online is easy, by credit card or Paypal. 

If those options don't work and you wish to mail a donation: Mary Powers 288 Woodford St #2 Portland, ME 04103

Make any checks payable to: American Lung Association of the Northeast