Cycling 200 kilometres might seem like a long haul to most, but for Aldergrove cyclist Norene Danek, taking part in the BC Lung Association’s annual Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath Trek - a two day, scenic ride to raise funds in support of lung health – it is the final leg of a journey she started training for months ago.

Danek says she hits the road come spring every year to make sure her legs and lungs are ready to go the distance.

“My father passed away from lung cancer caused by second-hand smoke at only 55-years-old. Trek gives me the opportunity to honour his memory while helping other families affected by lung disease.”

A recreational ride, the event takes place on September 12t and 13 and is designed for cyclists of all levels, from the casual rider to the experienced cyclist.

“I began as a Trek volunteer,” said Danek. “After five years I decided it was time to get off the sidelines and into the saddle. Now each year I look forward to spending the weekend with my teammates and the 400 plus members of my Trek family.”

The meeting place for a year-round family of lung health supporters and advocates, Trek is the BC Lung Association’s cornerstone fundraising event. Over the event’s 25 year history ‘Trekkers’ - as participants are affectionately known - have raised nearly $4.5 million in support of clean air and lung health. This year’s Trek organizers hope to raise $400,000.

“We can’t promise every weekend will be great – just this one,” says BC Lung Association’s events coordinator, Marissa Waghorn who, together with her team, is busy organizing Trek’s 25th anniversary weekend celebration.

“Initiated by a small group of dedicated volunteers 25 years ago, Trek has grown so much larger than simply a fundraising event – it’s more like an ever expanding family reunion,” said Waghorn.

“It may not be surrounded by the same fanfare as other large charity events – but that’s precisely why it’s so special. Each and every Trekker has a personal connection to the cause which drove them to ride in the first place – and it’s these stories that give the work we do true meaning.”

Interested in participating? If so, early registration is encouraged. Each participant must raise a minimum of $425 in donations by September 12. In return, participants travel a fully supported route from start to finish with rest stops, food to fuel their journey, and accommodations. Participants can also earn a range of fundraising incentive prizes including the chance to win a Caribbean vacation for two. The more you raise, the greater the rewards.

For more information or to register call the BC Lung Association at 604-731-5864 or toll free at 1-800-665-5864 (outside Greater Vancouver) or visit www.bc.lung.ca

About the BC Lung Association

A non-profit, non-governmental organization, the BC Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and promoting clean air initiatives across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the BC Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. The BC Lung Association also specializes in patient support programs, community services and advanced medical research.

Quick Facts

· One in every five British Columbians currently suffers from lung disease.

· The rate of asthma in children is four times higher than it was 20 years ago (300,000 British Columbians currently suffer from asthma).

· COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – is the 4th leading cause of death in Canada.

· One Canadian dies every 20 minutes from lung disease.

· Lung illness costs Canada more than $154 billion each year. This includes the direct costs to the health care system as well as the estimated cost of lost work time and degraded productivity.