Maria Spitale-Leisk
Mission Record
For Mission music teacher Jen Lewin, spending a weekend on a bicycle riding across the Fraser Valley is just good fun. What makes it even better is that her upcoming big ride is part of a fundraiser for the BC Lung Association.
"It's really important for people to be aware of lung health," said Lewin. "The ride is a really good opportunity to meet new friends, and do something hard."
It's Lewin's third time doing the Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, a two-day fundraising trip that has cyclists riding 200 km from White Rock to Cultus Lake and back in September.
Lewin wants people to be more aware of lung health. She's a singer and musician, playing a lot of jazz, but also pop, rock, and even joins an African band at times. She also teaches piano, voice, and musical composition in Mission. As she teaches her students, lung health is very important.
Lewin calls the big ride "an amazing singing challenge," because she'll be relying on breathing techniques and having clean air to make it through. According to the BC Lung Association, one in five British Columbians are living with lung disease.
Lewin is a regular cyclist, and is doing a 76-km practice run from Kelowna to Armstrong this month.
The last time she did the Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, in 2004, she raised $1,000. She is now aiming for $1,500.
"I'm really excited. It's going to be super fun," she said. "The ride is something people can come and support."
Lewin will complete that ride Sept. 7-8. She can be sponsored via bc.lung.ca/campaigns_and_events/bicycle_trek.html.
For those interested in doing the ride themselves, registration is still open.
Lewin can be contacted at info@dynamicmusicinstruction.com.