BIOGRAPHY

Hi! I am Ashley Young, and I'm a senior at Illinois majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I grew up on a family farm in central Illinois, where my brother, dad, and grandfather all currently farm together. I found out about Illini 4000 on quad day my freshman year of college, and have been involved ever since. I rode with the 2012 Bike America team, later joined the Board as Director of Special Events then Director of Team Development, and will complete the Ride again in 2016 as a Ride Leader. Cycling has become one of my favorite activities, and I look forward to another adventure across the country, riding through new terrain and meeting extraordinary people along the way.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Throughout my involvement with Illini 4000, I have realized just how universal cancer is. Everyone is affected in some way, whether it's a friend or family member with a diagnosis, serving in a medical role or as a caregiver, or a personal diagnosis, we have all seen this disease. Research is too often underfunded and new preventative and treatment ideas cannot be explored due to this. Illini 4000 aims to change this, through donating towards excellent cancer researchers and patient support programs as well as help those who have previously or currently have a diagnosis through the Portraits Project by collecting and sharing stories from people all over the country. I am extremely proud of what Illini 4000 has done thus far, and excited to see the progress that will be made in the future.