CHICAGO, IL | June 8, 2020
The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago’s 35th annual Fight For Air Ride is going virtual during June to support lung health and the COVID-19 Action Initiative. This year, cyclists can choose their distance and route, and are encouraged to share progress and photos on social media to raise awareness about lung disease.
“As the country's leading champion of lung health, the Lung Association's top priority is the health and well-being of our riders, volunteers and staff. We have continued to monitor CDC and health department recommendations related to COVID-19, and with that up-to-date information in mind, we decided to make this year’s Fight For Air Ride a virtual event,” said Kristen Young, executive director for the Lung Association. “Even though we are apart physically, cyclists can still make every mile count in our efforts to end lung disease and COVID-19.”
This year marks 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 will choose their route and distance to support the Lung Association virtually.
Money raised at the Fight For Air Ride will fund education, advocacy and research in the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease. It will also support 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.
“We’re grateful for the hundreds of cyclists who will participate in the virtual event in support of lung disease research. Now more than ever is when our community needs to come together, virtually, to end COVID-19. This is a way that we can do that right here in Illinois,” said Young.
The Fight For Air Ride runs from now through June 30. Registration is $15 and anyone who fundraises $250 or more will receive a 35th anniversary Fight For Air Ride jersey. More information and registration is at FightForAirRide.org.
###
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
For more information, contact:
Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]
2X Your Lifesaving Impact
We all play a part in protecting lung health. For a limited time, your gift will be DOUBLED to defeat lung disease!
