Claire Niewiara
Hometown: Elmhurst, Illinois
University: University of Illinois
Major: Bioengineering
BIOGRAPHY
Hi everyone! I'm Claire, a senior studying Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I'm planning on attending medical school after graduation. Outside of I4K, I am involved in an engineering sorority and I am currently serving as treasurer for the Biomedical Engineering Society. I'm also involved in the Cancer Scholar's program on campus, and I am very excited to get more involved in the fight to cure cancer. In my free time, I love painting (especially paintings of any one of my numerous plant collection!), spending time with friends/family, and enjoy hiking and running. I'm looking forward to spending the summer traveling the country while making a difference in people's lives and raising awareness for this disease.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Biking across the country is an enormous physical undertaking, but it pales in comparison to the journey undertaken by anyone battling cancer. While I’m excited to take on this challenge, it is the strength and courage of survivors that is truly inspiring, and I hope that our team can give back a little to those we meet along our journey this summer -- whether it be a shoulder to cry on or someone to share a laugh with or anything in between. I am riding because cancer isn’t something we can put in a box and ignore. By participating in I4K, I want to be a part of the fight to eradicate this disease, while easing the suffering of patients and their loved ones. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and I want to be able to show survivors and anyone else affected that they are not alone in their battle. Thank you for allowing me to raise awareness and make a difference by helping me meet my fundraising goal!