Anne Wave
Hometown: Park Ridge, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Spanish and Global Studies
BIOGRAPHY
Hi there! My name is Anne, I’m a senior in Spanish and Global Studies at the University of Illinois. I grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, but in the fall of 2010 I found a second home in Urbana-Champaign. U of I has graced me with an incredible college experience, and I’m so happy to be a student here. I’ve found a unique research opportunity, had an amazing study abroad experience in Latin America, and found a city with a lot of community, culture, and cool events that make me happy, like the Urbana Farmer’s Market at the Square. This is a great place for me! I do miss my family a lot, though, so visiting them is a must. I have an older sister, and she’s the best sister I could’ve dreamed up. She’s dangerously fun and has always been incredibly supportive of whatever craziness I drum up. My parents are awesome people, too. Everyone deserves a mom as loving as supportive as mine, and anyone that meets my dad wants to be his new best friend. I’m so lucky to have amazing people like them in my corner. We have pretty eclectic personalities, but we all somehow fit together just right. My family was really crucial in establishing my love for the unordinary. We passed up Disneyworld trips to road-trip to Quebec, we eat Indian food on Christmas Eve, and one Father’s Day was celebrated at a tattoo parlor. My life has been filled with atypically remarkable memories, all thanks to my family. It’s because of them that I am so enthusiastic about doing something exceptional: the Illini 4000!
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I have watched cancer affect the world around me and take away loving family and friends, and it breaks my spirit to see the pain that the patient and everyone near them bears through diagnoses. More often than not, though, my spirit is reestablished in a new way as I see the support that exists from family, friends, and even strangers, around those hurting. The world's fight against cancer has shown me that a community of support is an incredible force. In the midst of something so devastating, there is strength and encouragement beyond belief. I’m riding my bike across the country to give great love and care to those fighting through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This ride was founded as a way to spread awareness and hope for those who need it in their battle against disease, in whatever manner that may be: as a patient, caretaker, relative, or friend. None of us are immune to cancer’s effects. None of us are strangers to cancer anymore…but neither will we be strangers to love and care.