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 by taking part in the 2020 Trek Across Maine.

For myself the cause and desire to ride is very personal. Not one but both of my parents were diagnosed with lung cancer. In 2003, my mother at the age of 56 was diagnosed. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend of many. My mother battled the cancer for nearly 2 years. At one point she was even in remission. However, it was short lived. Once it was determined that the tumor was again growing, my mother passed away less than two months later at the age of 58.

In 2018, my father at the age of 71 was diagnosed with lung cancer. Luckily, tumor size and placement, along with the advancement in treatment allowed my father to undergo surgery. On August 7, 2018 my father had his entire right lung removed. Thankfully, the surgery removed all the cancer and he is still here.

Both my parents smoked, starting as young teens. Back in the late 1950's the risk of smoking was not known. Today the risks are well known. The American Lung Association helps education in the risk of smoking as well as offering assistance to stop.

I am grateful that the American Lung Association is helping to prevent anyone else from experiencing what I have. However, should you or a loved one face lung cancer the American Lung Association offers support and information. In fact, American Lung Association offers support and information about numerous lung diseases, along with lung health. They are able to do this in part with the money raised through donations.

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.

Thank you in advance for your support!