More than 3,000 cyclists, volunteers and staff will descend on the state’s roads during Father’s Day weekend for the 30th annual Trek Across Maine, sponsored by the American Lung Association.

I want to thank Waterville for being one of the welcoming and cordial hosts to these folks, who enjoy world-class cycling while raising money to find better treatments and cures for all lung diseases. I’d also like to remind members of the community and others driving this weekend to please be on the lookout for cyclists and volunteers as they share the road with them this Father’s Day weekend.

Without the support of each and every community along the Trek route, our event would not be the success that it is today. With lung cancer being the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the United States, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being the third-leading cause of death, the lung association’s fight for healthy lungs and healthy air is more important than ever.

It is because of the generous spirit of Mainers, that the Trek Across Maine has become the lung association’s largest and most successful fundraising event in the nation. If the Trek Across Maine meets its $2 million fundraising goal this year, the Trek’s 30-year contribution to the lung association will reach $22.5 million.

The Trek Across Maine is an event all Mainers should be proud of. We thank everyone for their support of our event and for their efforts to keep our cyclists safe as they embark upon this incredible three-day journey to promote lung health.

Scott Cowger, Hallowell

Leadership board member

American Lung Association in Maine