As a health care administrator, member of the American Lung Association of Maine’s Leadership Board, and someone who has had asthma my entire life, I am proud of the incredible growth the Trek Across Maine has achieved since the first ride back in 1985.

What began as a relatively small event with 106 riders cycling across Maine to raise awareness about lung disease has expanded into an annual event that draws thousands of cyclists from across the United States and beyond.

The Trek’s growth has not only exposed more people to the amazing natural beauty our state has to offer, it has made even more people aware of and committed to eradicating the lung diseases that continue to threaten our health, longevity and ability to breathe well.

The result has been that more than $20 million raised right here in Maine to support the Lung Association’s life-saving mission.

Just ask any of us why we ride because we all have a story.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Trek Across Maine this Father’s Day weekend, I would like to respectfully ask everyone on the road to please take extra caution when driving near cyclists. Our cyclists and volunteers are here to promote lung health and their safety is of paramount importance.

Julie Osgood, Freeport