(PORTLAND, ME) -- On Father's Day weekend, the American Lung Association celebrates their 28th annual Trek Across Maine. This event has become a staple in Maine, with numbers of cyclists and volunteers growing with each passing year. The Trek Across Maine is expected to raise $1.8 million -- the largest fundraiser for the organization nationwide -- to support lung health and prevent lung disease.
One of the near 160 teams that will be participating in this year's Trek is Spectrum Medical Group, a longtime sponsor of the event. The Maine-based, physician-led organization has had a team every year since its existence and this year's team is 23 cyclists strong. The group has already exceeded their goal of raising $10,000 to support the Lung Association's mission of saving lives by preventing lung disease and improving lung health.
"Besides the fun and camaraderie we enjoy as riders, knowing that the mission of the American Lung Association so closely parallels that of Spectrum Medical Group makes this the perfect event and organization to support both from a corporate and personal perspective," said Brad Clark, team captain and Director of Operations at Spectrum Medical Group.
Spectrum is Maine's largest multi-specialty, physician owned and directed professional organization and is comprised of over 150 physicians practicing in the areas of anesthesiology, pain management, pathology, radiology, and radiation oncology. Spectrum provides services at many of Maine's hospitals throughout the state and in eastern New Hampshire. With offices in both South Portland and Bangor, the group prides itself on providing patients with innovative, cutting-edge therapies as well as access to promising clinical trials.
"Giving up Fathers Day to help this cause is worth all the training and preparation," says team member, Patrick Williams. "I am doing this because there are many people who cannot, due to lung disease or related conditions."
The 2012 Trek Across Maine kicks off on Friday, June 15 at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry and finishes Sunday, June 17 at Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast. The Trek encompasses 180 miles over 3 days, highlighting some of Maine's most beautiful sights. Seventy-eight cents on every dollar directly funds lung disease research, advocacy, and education; including COPD/asthma management, smoking cessation programs, and advocacy for stronger clean air standards.
For more on the American Lung Association of the Northeast's Trek Across Maine, to register or to make a donation that could save lives.
About the American Lung Association of the Northeast
The American Lung Association of the Northeast is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. The American Lung Association in the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT.
