BIOGRAPHY

Hello! My name is Emma Ritz and I’m currently a junior studying Kinesiology at the University of Illinois. As of now, the plan is to eventually go to graduate school for genetic counseling. I hope to take time off volunteering before graduate school and am considering the Peace Corps as a Health Extension volunteer. I have spent most my time growing up volunteering and this has included Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchens, and animal rescue shelters just to name a few. Volunteering has shaped me to become the positive and confident person I am today. At school, I work at Beckwith Residential Support Services where I take care of students with disabilities including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. I also volunteer at the on-campus health center McKinley. When I am not working or volunteering, I am exercising and am actually training for the Illinois Marathon in April! Illini 4000 is perfect for me because it will allow me to continue fulfilling my passion of meeting and helping others while pushing myself to my fullest athletic potential. I cannot wait to embark on such an incredible one-of-a-kind experience!

PERSONAL STATEMENT

This summer, I will personally be riding for my grandfather I lost to leukemia, the world’s smartest individual who attended Northwestern University, and my grandmother I lost to stomach cancer who had the happiest of spirits. Together, we ride to give a voice to the voiceless and comfort the ones that feel alone in their struggle. I am so happy I can contribute to raising the funds and awareness necessary to continue the fight against cancer!