BIOGRAPHY

Hello! My name is Gibson Blankenship and I am currently a sophomore studying Environmental Science at the University of Illinois. On campus, I am a member of the Marching Illini Alto Saxophones and participate in Greek life. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, gardening, and (of course) biking! I grew up in a small town in Western Illinois called Macomb. It has been a fantastic town to call my home! McDonough County has perfect country roads my dad and I have explored on many bike rides.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Back in 2010, I lost my grandmother to ovarian cancer. It was an incredibly difficult concept to grasp at a young age, but her passing has affected my family significantly. As a teacher, she inspired a love of reading in many of her students and her grandchildren. Her warm and caring personality was felt every holiday season our extended family reunited. Upon hearing of Illini 4000, I knew it was an organization I wanted to be a part of. The Portraits Project is a fantastic program used to raise awareness and give support to those fighting cancer from stories of those whose lives have been affected by the disease. I will be riding in 2021 for my grandmother who instilled in me a love of learning. Thank you so much for your support!