BIOGRAPHY

My name is Matthew Soltys, and I am a fifth year senior majoring in Kinesiology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, and minoring in Chemistry. After I finish my undergrad I plan to attend Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. In my free time I enjoy biking, spending time with my friends, and going to Illinois sporting events. At school I am involved with the Orange Krush and Campus Crusade for Christ. I have traveled all over the world and I am extremely excited to travel across America with the Illini 4000.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I first learned about cancer when it took my grandpa's life when I was in middle school. Although I did not understand the disease, I quickly found out that it affects everyone on a personal level. Since then, I have had multiple family members and friends diagnosed with cancer. As the number of people I know who are fighting cancer grows, I gain a greater desire to fight this disease. I want to ride this summer in memory of my grandpa and for hope that one day this disease will be no more.