As a veteran Trekker, Surrey’s Sonja Mohrsen is joining the B.C. Lung Association’s Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, an annual fundraiser in support of lung health, for her 19th year, this time as a volunteer.
“In the past, when I participated as a cyclist, I trained by biking to work – 20 kilometres round trip with a couple of hills,” said Mohrsen. “In addition, I also did some training rides with my team, the Spare Tires.”
“The only advice I would give anyone new to Trek is to enjoy the ride and the people, and remember it’s not a race,” said Mohrsen. “As a cyclist, and now a volunteer, I come back year after year because the scenery is fabulous and the organization is very supportive.”
“I personally suffer from asthma and my mother died from lung cancer. I participate with Trek, whether as a cyclist or a volunteer, because I hope one day we will find the cure for all lung diseases. I plan to be part of Trek for many years to come.”
“We would not be able to run this event without dedicated volunteers such as Sonja,” said Marissa McFadyen, B.C. Lung Association events coordinator. “From managing the check stops, to encouraging all the riders, volunteers are an integral part to making this event as successful as it is.”
Join Mohrsen and hundreds of others at the B.C. Lung Association Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath on Sept. 12 and 13. For more information about volunteering, contact halpenny@bc.lung.ca or call the B.C. Lung Association at 604-731-5864 or toll free at 1-800-665-5864 (outside Greater Vancouver).
About the BC Lung Association
A non-profit, non-governmental organization, the B.C. Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and promoting clean air initiatives across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the B.C. Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. The B.C. Lung Association also specializes in patient support programs, community services and advanced medical research.
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) and is the number-one cause of child emergency visits.
• COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the number-one cause of adult hospitalization and the fourth leading cause of death in Canada.
• One Canadian dies every 20 minutes from lung disease.