News archive

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

NEWS RELEASE

Fort Langley’s John Keyzer Logs 11 Years in Support of Lung Health
 
Fort Langley – July 3, 2008 - Fort Langley’s John Keyzer is logging serious road time this summer in preparation for the BC Lung Association’s Annual Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath (Trek) fundraiser, a two-day scenic ride through the Fraser Valley to raise funds in support of lung health and clean air. This year will be the eleventh time Keyzer has made the 200km pilgrimage in support of friends, families and loved ones affected by respiratory illness.

Fort Langley’s John Keyzer at last year’s Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, a two-day ride through the Fraser Valley in support of lung health and clean air for the BC Lung Association. This year will be the eleventh time Keyzer has made the 200km pilgrimage in support of friends, families and loved ones affected by respiratory illness.


 “I go to Trek to meet new friends and catch up with old ones,” says Keyzer, who was presented with a 10 year volunteer recognition award at last year’s Trek event. “I have friends who have personally benefited from medical help through the BC Lung Association. It’s for them I ride. Raising money and riding 200km is easy – living with respiratory illness is not.”
 
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 recreational ride, not a race, the two day fundraiser takes place September 6th & 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.
 
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)