BIOGRAPHY

Hi! My name is Mercedes, and I'm a junior majoring in Statistics at UIUC. I was born and raised in Naperville, IL. Some of my hobbies include playing piano, baking, creating art, and biking, of course. I am excited to see how I will grow as a person as I take on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Cancer has affected all of us. I am riding for my grandmother, who passed away in 2012 to lung cancer and other complications. Her passing was devastating to our whole family, but reminiscing about her caring spirit and the happy times we shared has helped us heal. Creating a support system and providing comfort through these universal experiences is something that the Portraits Project aims to do, and I am honored to be a part of it. I hope my journey across the country will inspire others to take action in the fight against cancer.