Shift Gears On Lung Disease At the Lung Association’s Trek Across Maine

Shift Gears On Lung Disease At the Lung Association’s Trek Across Maine
Lung Association hosts largest cycling event nationally for 28th consecutive year


Augusta, Maine - Shift gears on lung disease and join the American Lung Association in the Trek Across Maine on June 17th, 2011. The 28th annual Trek Across Maine is a 3-day, 180-mile adventure from Sunday River to the sea in Belfast, Maine.

Cyclists come from all across Maine, 28 states and Canada to ride 180 miles in three days from Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel to Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast. After 28 years, the Trek Across Maine means different things to different people - a family tradition on Father’s Day Weekend; a way for businesses to promote good health; a fundraising competition for a good cause; or a tribute to friends and family who’ve lived with, and in many cases died from lung disease. The Trek is special not only for the number of riders it attracts (2,000 last year), but also for the number of volunteers who come out year after year. This year more than 600 volunteers will donate their time.

“The Trek has become more than just an annual bicycle ride and fundraiser,” says Jeffrey Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “The individuals and businesses who participate in the Trek as riders, sponsors and volunteers become year-round advocates and partners in the work we do to protect lung health and promote healthy air in Maine. We couldn’t be more honored to plan and participate in this community event, and hope to raise almost $2 million this year in the fight for healthy air.”

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for 1 in 6 deaths. More than sixty percent of new lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who have never smoked, or who quit more than a decade ago. Even though strong progress has been made in cleaning our air, more than 127 million Americans live in areas with too many days of unhealthy air. Seventy-eight cents on every dollar raised directly funds lung disease research, advocacy, and education; including asthma management and smoking cessation programs, and advocacy for stronger clean air standards.

For more information about the Trek Across Maine or the American Lung Association of the Northeast, please visit biketreknewengland.org or call 1-800-499-LUNG, ext. 0312.