Peggy first became involved with the Trek Across Maine after completing the Boston Marathon with her friend Joni. The event, which had been growing in popularity for years, had caught Joni’s attention and she suggested that Peggy and her 12-year-old daughter, Julie tackle the three-day, 180-mile event with her. As an asthma and allergy specialist in Portland for many years, Peggy was intrigued by the American Lung Association’s message and decided she would give it a shot.
Now on her 18th year of riding, Peggy cannot imagine her life without the event. “It is just a blast,” she said. “Every year you think it can’t get better and then there will be something wonderful that happens, beautiful sights, inspiring comradery, it is just one of a kind.”
Evolving with the Times
The multi-day cycling event is the number one fundraiser for the Lung Association because it takes fortitude and community to make it across the finish line. Prior to the COVID-19 shut down, the Trek was drawing around 1500 cyclists a year. Once things reopened, like most other organizations, the Trek had to reimagine itself and rebuild. Though the numbers are slowly rising, this year already has close to 600 registered trekkers, Peggy and her fellow board members have worked hard to figure out ways to boost participation.
“We have made it a ‘ride your own way’ kind of event so that it is accessible for people who want to participate and share the enthusiasm,” Peggy explained. Originally the ride started at Sunday River in the western mountains of Maine and went down to the coast, but now it is a circular trail. Riders begin and end at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, while along the way staying at Bates College and on St. Joseph’s campus on Sebago Lake before looping back for the final celebration. This new route makes it easier for people to commit to just part of the trek if the whole thing seems too daunting. “Now they can fundraise and contribute to the cause for one- or two-day rides as well as the full trek,” she said. This is also the first year that a gravel ride is being offered. This trendy off-road biking option is a more gradual way to ease into mountain biking while getting to experience remote areas and beautiful views. And for those who are concerned about making it up and down the hills, e-bikes are now an option as well. “We want to make it fun and make sure people can see the state in all its glory without being anxious. And when you cross that finish line...it is just so worth it.” said Peggy.
Finding Fellowship in Team Spirit
Besides doing something good for your health, Peggy loves the event because of the community it creates for people who have been touched by lung cancer and chronic lung disease. Many participants form teams with clever names or ride in memory of someone they lost. Some teams are groups of doctors; others are supported by local breweries. Many wear T-shirts with a picture of the person they are riding for, to remind them of the greater goal of this event. Peggy has done the Trek with her family and with Maine Health System, where she worked before her recent retirement.
“A lot of our riders are struggling with lung cancer themselves or have family members who have been affected. It can be sobering to see, but it is just a very powerful message that is being delivered and supported by all these riders,” she said.
Expanding to Advocate Beyond the Trek
Because of Peggy’s enthusiasm she was invited to join the Maine Leadership Board in 2012, and she found herself getting increasingly involved in promoting the Lung Association's mission while off her bike. By 2016, she was also a member of the Northeast Board, and a year later became a member of the National Public Policy Committee for the Lung Association. For the last three years, she has spearheaded the Maine Board as Chair and acquired the Chair position on the Regional Board too. “As a physician, what you can do for national public policy through these committees and the Lung Association, the important messages and work you can do, far exceeds what you can do as an individual. So, it is truly rewarding.”
Her positions have given her the platform to meet with legislators including Maine senators and representatives on both the state and federal level. She has also testified before the EPA and other federal agencies about the health impact of air quality and importance of affordable healthcare coverage for those living with lung disease.
This year, Peggy’s brother-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer, and Peggy was happy to know that the funds she had been raising for the Trek for years went toward research that will hopefully save his life. “He is a direct beneficiary of all the biomarker research that has been sponsored by the Lung Association. He just finished his chemo and is beginning targeted treatment and we are so hopeful.”
Peggy plans to continue her advocacy work but never forgets where it all started. “Trek is my thing. It is a big moving party for good. A fun event to be involved in and a great way to feel good about getting in shape while raising awareness about lung health issues that affect so many of us.”
Blog last updated: April 10, 2026
