Former LI Resident to Ride Across America to Support American Lung Association

New York City resident, Jenny Pearlman, is taking part in a cycling event like no other - the Big Ride Across America - all to benefit the American Lung Association’s mission to save live by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Pearlman, who is originally from Centerport, Long Island, will be participating in the ride for the first time. The Big Ride takes participants on a 3,300 mile journey over the course of seven weeks with riders making their way from Seattle, Wash., to Washington, DC.

“I am riding in memory of my grandfather who was a smoker and passed away from lung cancer in 1999,” says Pearlman. “He stayed with us when he was very ill and I’ll always remember how terribly he suffered. No one should have to suffer like that. I am also riding because I have a lot of friends and family members who smoke and I support the work the Lung Association is doing to help smokers quit.”

The Big Ride will depart from Seattle on June 17 and arrive in Washington, DC on August 3, 2013. Participants will travel an average of 83 miles per day through a total of 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Pearlman explained that she signed up for the challenge after speaking with a friend who had done the ride last year and who had great things to say about the experience. Having just started riding her bike around New York City in the past year and much enjoying her daily 2-mile commute, she thought the experience of cycling across country would be an exciting challenge. She joined a bike club shortly after signing up for the ride and has since learned a great deal about cycling. Lately, she’s been taking her bike out to Long Island where her parents live and going on long rides there when she can. She’s committed to completing the ride and wants to prove to herself that she can do it.

Pearlman is also committed to raising as much money as she can for the Lung Association. As a New York licensed cosmetologist, she has been offering to cut people’s hair in exchange for donations to her ride and several have taken her up on the offer. She’s also been sending personal letters to friends and family. She hopes to raise $6,500 to support the Lung Association’s research, education and advocacy and is well on her way to achieving her goal.

The American Lung Association’s Big Ride Across America cycling event is hosted by the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific. Participants come from all walks of life, including students, teachers, retirees, executives, and those who just want to experience the ride of a lifetime. To support Jenny Pearlman in the Big Ride Across America, visit her personal page.

For a great cycling experience closer to home, the American Lung Association of the Northeast offers three exciting options. The Association is sponsoring its annual 3-day, 180-mile Trek Across Maine this Father’s Day Weekend, June 16-18; its annual Cycle the Seacoast ride in Portsmouth on May 5, with 25, 50 and 100–mile route options; and the Autumn Escape Bike Trek presented by Sunovion being held September 27-29. To learn more about the American Lung Association of the Northeast’s local cycling events or to register, visit Biketreknewengland.org.