BIOGRAPHY

Hi! My name is Anna Renardo, and I am from the south side of Chicago, specifically, a neighborhood called Mt. Greenwood. I am a senior in the College of Nursing, and two weeks after this ride ends, I will be taking a test to become a registered nurse. I cannot wait to start my journey as a nurse, and I know that this bike ride will help me become the best RN possible. I heard about this ride when I was a freshman and never thought I could make my dream of participating a reality. I am grateful for this opportunity and especially for the unyielding support I am provided by my family and friends. My goal was to leave college having done something ""epic"", and I believe this ride, and the support and awareness it gives to cancer research and the individuals affected, is a prime example of what epic can truly mean.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Like so many others, individuals in my family have been diagnosed with cancer. I have had a wonderful opportunity last summer to help with the fight against cancer by working in a pediatric oncology clinic called the Keyser Family Pediatric Cancer Center at Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. Watching families struggle with their children's cancer diagnosis and treatment, and all the grief, uncertainty, hope and strength that these kids showed has forever touched my heart. During a painful procedure, a young boy asked, "Why is this happening to me?". My hope is that within the next decade no six year old child will have to ask that question. By participating in Illini 4000, I feel as if I am showing my determination to strengthen cancer research. Great strides have been made in the combat of cancer and I'd like to be part of the continued fight. It is important that patients and their families know that nobody fights alone. This bike ride is a demonstration our activism in fighting this disease.