BIOGRAPHY

Hello! Thank you for visiting my page! My name is Samantha Lenoch and I am a Senior studying Urban Planning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was raised in Burr Ridge, Illinois, by my loving parents and with my hilarious older siblings Michael and Jessica. You can find me sipping on green tea at the Champaign Public Library, goalkeeping on the lacrosse field, or dancing at concerts. This year I am the co-captain of the University of Illinois Women's Lacrosse Team, aid in social media for the American Planning Association's Women and Planning division, and now a rider on Illini 4000. I am so grateful to be a rider on Illini 4000's 2020 team so I can get to know families nationwide, my team, and have the opportunity to explore American cities. As an Urban Planner, I love seeing what makes cities unique as well as working for and with people. That is my main motive for choosing the field and why I am so excited to be riding with I4k!

PERSONAL STATEMENT

When I was six, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was very confused what cancer even was and my uncertainty lead to my fear. My family showered her with love, prayers, and support and she thankfully survived. My grandmother fought her battle to cancer three times and survived each time. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2008, but she has taught me about strength and perseverance during her fight against cancer. My Uncle Randy unfortunately lost to cancer in December 2018 after his short battle, but we spent as much time with him as we could and had weekly family dinners. I want to dedicate my ride not only to my mother, uncle, and grandmother, but to those who are diagnosed, survived, and lost to cancer and to their loved ones during their times of sadness, confusion, or grief.