Parksville’s Maryke Young is taking on the B.C. Lung Association’s 200 km Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, an annual fundraiser for lung health.
As someone with close ties to lung disease, the trek holds special meaning to Young.
“My best friend, partner and husband of 50 years passed away last year due to COPD and heart failure,” she said. “He was first diagnosed with asbestosis after many years with both the Royal and Canadian navies. Later on he developed COPD. And during the last years of his life, he struggled daily with breathing problems.”
“I’m riding in honour of my husband,” Maryke said. “I’ve participated in a couple different charity rides, but I’m particularly looking forward to this. It sounds really well organized, and I’m curious to meet other Trekkers, all of us united for a common cause and sharing an interest in improving the lives of British Columbians who struggle with breathing conditions.”
“Trek is a success due to participants like Maryke and their generous donors who fund vital research and patient programs in support of the one in five British Columbians with breathing problems,” said B.C. Lung organizer Marissa McFadyen.
Join Maryke and hundreds of others at the B.C. Lung Association Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath on Sept. 10-11. For more information or to register, call toll free 1-800-665-5864 or visit www.bicycletrek.ca.
— Submitted by B.C. Lung Association