On June 16-18, I will be lucky to join thousands of other cyclists (a term I'm not sure really applies to me) and the American Lung Association to raise money to fight lung disease and increase awareness about the importance of lung health. I'm joining an incredible group of local women for this adventure, all of whom ride much faster than I do, on Team Spark.

As many of you know, lung disease hits very close to home for my family, so my ride is, most importantly, a dedication to my mother-in-law.

I'm also riding because lung health is a social and environmental justice issue. Kids living in high-density, lower-income neighborhoods are disproportionately bearing the burden of low air quality. Because of poor air, they have higher rates of asthma and other health conditions that can impact them throughout their lives. Families of color are one and a half times more likely to live in an area with poor air quality than white families.

I am riding to bring awareness and funding for this issue, which many of us don't see on a day to day basis. 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.

I appreciate all the demands that you have in your lives and the many causes you already support. I thank you in advance for any contribution you're able to make. I look forward to riding slow and steady and, most importantly, supporting a very worthy cause.