Howard Switalla, along with his two cousins, are entering the 2007 Lake Tour Bike Trek as a team called “Linda’s Pedal Pushers” to honor their aunt, who is currently battling lung cancer despite the fact that she never smoked a day in her life.

“Everyone thinks that it’s a smokers disease,” Linker said. “Fifteen percent of people with lung cancer have never smoked before.”

When Linker heard her nephew was interested in aiding in her battle for survival she was emotionally touched.

“It was very emotional when I found out that he wanted to help,” Linker said. “The feeling was indescribable.”

The Bike Trek, a round-trip bicycle ride from Crystal Lake to Lake Geneva, is planned Friday, June 8, through Sunday, June 10.

It will benefit the American Lung Association.

“I came across the Web site for this Bike Trek and I wanted to do it to help researchers find a cure for lung cancer,” Howard said.

Howard, a Chicago resident, participated in the event last year as its youngest rider.

Last year he was the sixth top fund-raiser, raising $2,610. This year he hopes to be the top fund-raiser and has already raised more than $3,000 with the help of family, friends and local businesses.

Howard said he is so excited about the fact that he is helping find a cure for lung cancer that he isn’t even concerned about biking 100 miles.

Linker said she is amazed and honored by all of her nephew’s hard work.

“This just says that we’re never too young to fight for a cause and try something different,” she added. “Twenty years ago we didn’t think about how widespread cancer is and how it affects people. Awareness is so important.”

To contribute to Howard’s efforts or to participate in the race, visit www.laketourbiketrek.org.