American Lung Association Launches Cycling Fundraiser in Tampa Bay to Raise Awareness for Pediatric Disease

A noble endeavor aimed at making a positive impact on the world! Beyond the captivating scenery of Pinellas Trails lies a cause that tugs at the heartstrings of countless families across the region. In the heart of the Tampa Bay area, an event of paramount significance is poised to unfold—the Gulf Coast Bike Treck. The mission’s resonance reverberates through the air the cyclists will breathe as they pedal along the trail. And not just that, a special guest will be joining the endeavor!

The American Lung Association is launching a biking event as a part of the month-long awareness program with the kids and families as a priority! As wheels turn and pedals churn, each revolution carries with it the weight of a cause that resonates deeply with countless families across the Tampa Bay area. This is not just a bike trek, it’s a journey of empathy, a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and a promise to the future where every breath is a gift of life!

Pedaling for pediatric lung health

The Gulf Coast Bike Trek, organized on behalf of the American Lung Association, is the upcoming fundraiser event that will be restricted to the Tampa Bay area. Along the scenic Pinellas Trail, the event is scheduled to occur on October 21. The aim of the biking event revolves around raising awareness for pediatric lung health and taking the initiative in supporting children who are exposed to challenges daily due to asthma. 

The respiratory disease is spreading at an alarming rate and Kristen Niemi supported the American Lung Association’s mission by sharing her views with AbcAction News, “ There are 42,000 children in the Tampa Bay Area who have been diagnosed with asthma, and that accounts for 17 million missed school days, and it’s huge, and I don’t think a lot of people understand that, so just raising that awareness.” 

This trek will exemplify the power of community and the potential for transformation that arises when, individuals unite for a common cause. Personally impacted by the cause, 17-year-old Alex, will be powering through the event on his pedal!

From struggles to strength: Inspiring journey of a 17-year-old

Alex’s life since childhood has been deterred with numerous doctor visits, recurrent hospitalizations and trying different medications that succeeded in providing negligible relief. On one occasion, a doctor highlighted how the living conditions in Florida are detrimental for asthma patients which led him to leave the state. 

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Now that he has recovered a bit, he is determined to participate in the awareness event. Due to the congruity of the cause behind the event, the Gulf Bike Trek has accumulated support from different sectors. The Trek Bicycle Company has come forward to sponsor the event and will station themselves along the entire route to provide support. 

Dominic Conrad from the sponsor team shared his personal experience, highlighting how suffering from asthma kept him away from biking for almost 15 years. The event has already witnessed huge enrollment among which a significant section are kids that will be escalating the event to a notable level.  

The American Lung Association in collaboration with the Trek Bicycle Company is optimistic about their commitment to the cause and aims at making the event an annual tradition fostering solidarity in the fight for improved lung health. The association aptly puts its mission into the motto, stating, “When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”  

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