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Burnaby Cyclist Team ‘Cardio Junkies’ Trek 200km for Life and Breath
Burnaby, BC - June 25, 2008 - Burnaby resident and Cardio Junkies team captain Sandra Ma decided it was time she and her friends put their lung capacity to the test in support of a worthy cause. The result: Ma and seven fellow cyclists have committed to completing the BC Lung Association’s Annual Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath (Trek), a two-day scenic ride through the Fraser Valley to raise funds in support of lung health and clean air.
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Team Cardio Junkies gets ready for a training ride! (Back row left to right: Jeffrey Ho, Lena Lai, Daryl Poson, Efren Tello, Howie Ho and front row left to right: Jennifer Ho, Anthony Ho, Sandra Ma) |
“I find it really satisfying to think a small effort on my part can make a big difference in the lives of others. The 200km ride is a challenge, no question, but it’s one I happily take on,” said Ma “It’s such a beautiful route, with mountain views and waterfront scenery, who could ask for a more breathtaking way to raise money in support of lung health?”
For Cardio Junkies teammate and Burnaby resident Howie Ho, whose father was diagnosed with lung cancer, Trek has special meaning, “Due to early detection and treatment, as well as to excellent care from the Royal Columbia hospital, my father was lucky enough to make a complete recovery. My ride is dedicated to him and the hospital staff at Royal Columbia that treated him.”
Celebrating its 24th year, Trek participants have raised more than $4 million in support of lung health and clean air since the event was first established in 1984. The BC Lung Association hopes to raise even more this year.
“Trekkers are amazing individuals,” states the BC Lung Association’s Events Coordinator, Jessa Blades. “And the event has become so much more than just an annual bicycle ride and fundraiser. The individuals and businesses who participate in our annual Bike Trek as riders, sponsors or volunteers become year-round advocates and partners in the work we do to protect lung health and promote healthy air in British Columbia."
A ride, not a race, the two day fundraiser takes place September 6th and 7th and is designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist.
To participate, cyclists are registering now. Each ‘Trekker’ must raise a minimum of $425 in donations by September 6th, and in return, will travel a fully supported route from start to finish with rest stops, food to fuel their journey, and accommodations. Trekkers who raise even more will be rewarded with incentive prizes for their efforts, including a chance to win a trip for two to Costa Rica.
To make a donation in support of the Cardio Junkies and the BC Lung Association, please visit www.bicycletrek.ca and click on ‘Sponsor a Participant’.
For more information about the Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath 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.
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 $12 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.
For more information, please contact:
Katrina van Bylandt, Communications Manager, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864)