Local Cyclists Ride 150 Miles Solo in New Way to Support People with Lung Disease, COVID-19

Last month, nearly 80 people each rode 100-150 miles as a part of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago’s Fight For Air Ride. The event raised more than $37,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease and support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative.

This year marked the 35th anniversary of the Fight For Air Ride. Each year, the event brings together hundreds of cyclists who ride approximately 50 miles per day for two or three days through scenic rural communities of Northern Illinois and the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin. This year, participants chose their route to support the Lung Association virtually.

“Due to concerns surrounding the global pandemic, we quickly pivoted to a virtual event this year, but still saw a tremendous outpouring of support and participation from the local community,” said Kristen Young, executive director for the Lung Association. “Thank you to all of our participant and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of people facing lung disease, lung cancer and COVID-19.”

In total, the Fight For Air Ride resulted in:

• 79 registered cyclists
• 17 teams
• $37,366 raised and counting

Money raised at the Fight For Air Ride fund education, advocacy and research in the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease. It also supports the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

More information is available at FightForAirRide.org.