BIOGRAPHY

My name is Maren Wiltshire and I am a sophomore majoring in Accounting. I have always had a sense of adventure. My family has been lucky enough to travel to numerous places and see amazing things. We have been to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and 39 states. In the future, I hope to continue my traveling by visiting all 50 states and studying abroad. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have been given. Throughout my adventures I’ve gained some great stories, many embarrassing, so I almost guarantee I can make you laugh. One of my favorite things to do besides traveling, is play volleyball. I started playing 12 years ago and haven't stopped, so I love to stay active, but I also do love a good Netflix binge. You know that feeling you get when you see your waitress bringing your food out, that's the feeling I get when I think about the adventure of i4k. By doing Illini 4000 I will be able to continue my love of staying active and traveling, all while raising awareness for an amazing cause.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

When I was in junior high, a very close family friend was diagnosed with cancer. This was the first time that I had an experience with cancer and from this, I realized how much a community can help someone. Through fighting and support from others, he is now cancer free. All of my grandparents have had to battle with cancer. Four years ago my papa lost his battle to liver cancer. That was a difficult time for me because it was the first family member I have lost. My grandpa has had skin cancer and both my grandma and nana have had battles with breast cancer. I am grateful to say all have won their battles. Cancer is a horrible disease and has caused too many people to suffer including ones close to me. This summer I am riding for them and raising awareness about this awful disease. The daily struggles a cancer patient has to go through is no match to any obstacle I may face during this trip. I believe that together we can put a stop to cancer so people can live a happier and better life.