Today, I completed my first century, i.e., a hundred mile ride. It was actually one hundred and four to be precise, but who’s counting. The funny thing is, this athletic accomplishment was not nearly the most rewarding part of the day (I did figure out, however, that after about eighty miles I get really bored and start doing things such as singing Chim Chim Cheree and Ninety Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall).During today’s ride, we had pulled over by a stop sign in order for one of our riders to put their chain back on and were greeted by the very colorful and congenial Dan. We ended up drinking Cokes in his front yard and one thing led to another and we conducted a Portrait (As well as heard many a rendition of a few folk songs from Dan himself). Shortly after, as we were riding along, we had pulled off near a McDonalds due to a small collision in another group near us. As we did our customary bathroom run into the restaurant, one of the employees offered us each a sandwich of our choice. It was a very nice gesture and I don’t think they even know how much that meant to us.Champaign, here we come.
Americano and a Buckeye
Twelve days in I find myself in the student union of theOhio State University sipping coffee and scribbling in a notebook. Quitepossibly my favorite thing in life is sitting down alone with a cup of coffeeconfronting the day as it unfolds around me. For a second a glance up and watchthe people that surround me, and I realize I’m back at my usual coffee shop inUrbana, Illinois. In my mind, the students at Ohio State University appear justlike the students at the University of Illinois, and probably the University ofNorth Carolina, or Arizona, or Idaho, or any university across this country.My problem is simple: I’m a rotten generalizer.More often than necessary I put people into “boxes” based ontoo simple of patterns. The obvious problem with boxes is that they limitmovement, capability, and expectations. Boxes restrict how you view andunderstand people.A philosophical goal of mine not too long ago was tounderstand how people around the world were the same (the “universals “); toconsciously place humanity into a box. I thought if people proved to be moresimilar than thought world problems could be more easily eradicated.As it turns out, people are very rarely similar. Regardlessof how one chooses to identify or what situation one is born into, a life withevery experience is too unique to be placed in a box. What I think I’ve alwayssearched for is connection, but to see how people in the world are connected isnot to see how people in the world are similar. The real challenge is to seeconnection through the vast amounts of diversity.In the past twelve days I feel like I’ve gained real insightin how to perceive people when they disclose themselves. On day one of the rideI met Clinton, a survivor of cancer when he was just 36, who was now homeless.A few days later I met Eda, left as a child when her mother died of cancer, whowas born and raised in a rough neighborhood of inner city Philadelphia. Certainaspects of these two seemed salient enough to place them too quickly into a box,and if I had done that when I approached them I would have missed truly hearingthe stories of two people in this world.As a dire pessimistic at times, these last twelve days havehelped me understand how I had been limiting humanity as a whole. I except theworld to be a certain way, and it expect it to never change. But today, in theusual act of sitting down with a cup of coffee, I’ve gained respect for peopleas unique individuals with all sorts of experiences, and I’ve gained a littlehope for the world.
Columbus Event Day
Rest day! After a team meeting at 9:30 this morning, most of us split in different groups to explore the city, get food, visit bike shops, go shopping, visit museums, or just to chill in the Broad St. United Methodist Church. With the 104 mile day tomorrow and 5 am wake up, we discussed the challenges that the Midwest would present to the group. Flat land sounds easy to bike through, but the cold weather in the early morning, the 90 degree weather during the day, and the wind throughout everything could make the next few weeks as difficult as the Appalachians, but that won’t stop us, not until the next event day at least! This ride cross country, like the fight against cancer, isn’t easy, but our group is dedicated to documenting the American cancer experience and fundraising on our way.Richmond, IN tomorrow!Thanks for the continued support,Illini 4000
The Climb
"There's always going to be an uphill battle."These are the words that are in my head everytime I climb a hill and I refuse to accept defeat. At Wheeling, West Virginia, I did a portraits with 5 other riders on the team and we were talking to a breast cancer survivor she had a positive view and perspective. This amazes me and she also said "Telling people about what your going through and giving hugs helps alot to get through struggles." I will second that because everyone was cheering me on when I was climbing the steep hill on 8th street at Winchester, WV and when I got to the top, Massey and Marcus gave me a hug. It was very interesting how these experiences from different people could relate because we are all connected by how cancer has affected us.
Columbus
Well we made it through the mountains and it feels good to be in Columbus. This is our second event day and this one feels deserved. The past few days have overall been challenging and we have conquered a little adversity here and there. Morale is back up for the most part after a fun night on the town last evening. Off to enjoy the freedom an event day provides. See y'all in champaign.
When I Grow Up
I've been lucky enough to lead about half of the portraits the 2012 team has done this year, and I couldn't be happier about that! It completely amazes me at how many people are kind enough to put down whatever they're doing, and sit in front of our camera to share their story about their cancer experience. Portraits is definitely my favorite part of Illini 4000-- in my mind, it's what we're riding for. Documenting the American cancer experience is something that I think has the potential to help a lot of people, in a lot of different ways. I know it's certainly already helped me. Of the 16 portraits that the team has done this year (go team!!), there are 5 that have been incredibly important to me.The first was of three members of the Dinger family, Jeremy, Tammy, and Alex (who I lovingly know as AJ). Jeremy was diagnosed with cancer, and the 3 of them shared the story of how it affected all of them personally. This seems simple, but means so much to me because they're very close friends of my family, and while I knew that Jeremy had cancer, and I'd heard some of the story, but to hear the details of everything they went through was incredibly moving.The second was of someone even closer to me, my mom. She lost her mom to breast cancer at age 11, as well as losing her step-mom in November 2011. I've heard bits and pieces of the story throughout my entire life, but I've never heard it all in one sitting before, so it me hard. My mom has been my main influence of doing the ride; I don't want anyone to have to go through the pain of losing their mother at such a young age. I've watched for years at the emotional toll cancer has taken on mom's life, and if there's anything I can do to make it so that doesn't happen to other people, I want to.The next three all happened within the last 12 days of the ride!First, at the Hope Lodge in Baltimore, I met Jessica Drake, whose father was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jessica, during her portrait, said "I grew up knowing I wanted to make money and that was it. I went to school to be an accountant... After my dad got diagnosed with cancer, it really made me think about my values, and my big value is family now. So I changed my major, I want to be a grief counselor to help cancer patients.... Going from a 6 figure job to maybe only like 50,000 a year, but it makes me happy to know I can help people like my father." Jessica really touched me when she said this, because I've been trying to figure out where life is trying to take me. I've wanted to be a doctor for a long time, but recently I've questioned that decision because I really want to have a family, and get to spend the time with them that Jessica thought was so important. Maybe I'll grow up and be a grief counselor too!The next portrait that has really touched me was the portrait of Debbie Richardson, taken in Wheeling, WV. She talked to us about a lot of the science behind her cancer, which was really interesting. She got a mammogram in June that was completely clear, but was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in September. She was incredibly positive about the entire thing, saying "God's not finished with me yet." When I asked about how cancer changed her outlook on life, she said that she found it incredibly important to tell the people you care about how much you care about them on a regular basis, because you never know what might happen. She's completely right. I tend to be a planner; I make huge, elaborate scenarios in my mind about how to tell people how much I care about them, and they rarely, if ever, work out as planned. I also tend to be pretty awful at telling people on a regular basis how much they mean to me. Debbie helped me realize that it's so much more important to tell the people you love, friends, family, etc, how much they mean to you on a daily basis, because you never know what might happen!The final portrait that really touched me was a portrait we did last night, at the Broad St. United Methodist Church in Columbus. The woman was Emily Schornstein, and once she started telling her story, I realized I was sitting in front of the woman that I want to be when I grow up. She was diagnosed with colon cancer, as well as that she was the caretaker for her daughter when her daughter was also diagnosed with colon cancer. Emily was quite simply an incredible woman. She stated that while she's happy that she's still alive, she would've been fine with it if she passed away, because she's done everything she wanted to do with her life, including crossing everything off her bucket list. 9 days after she finished her chemo treatment, she went to Egypt, and lived there for 4 years. Emily's story really touched the 5 of us who did the portrait! I know that for me personally, I so often get caught up in what I need to do everyday, and what my to-do list says, and everything that needs to be accounted for, that I forget to live. It seems like a constant theme that people are often stuck just going through the motions. I don't think that applies to Emily. She's traveled to Kuwait, taken 8 cruises in the last 10 weeks, lived in Egypt, owned a cadillac, and lived in a house on the lake! (Just a few of the items on her bucket list that she shared with us.) Emily is an image of someone that I want to be -- someone who isn't afraid of dying, because she's always lived. I'm sure that as the summer goes on, there will be many more portraits that will touch all of us in different ways, but I owe huge thanks to these incredible people who have already changed my outlook on life, only 12 days into the ride.
Exhausted and Happier Than Ever
Mountains, done. Can you believe it?! I'm actually really sad about it...even though my knees are very happy now. West Virginia is probably one of the most beautiful states I have ever seen. Waking up in the morning to see the dark purple ridges against the warm sky is the best sight, and the best feeling is getting to the top of a mountain.*Pictures are in my disposible cameras...they'll come eventuallyI have met people who are unforgetable because of their kindness. A special shout out goes out to Serge, the man who opened his garage to nine soaking riders during a scary thunderstorm. Thank you for the stories, roof, and trinket. :)I won't lie and say that all of my days were amazing though. There was a day in West Virginia where I was scared for my life more than once. These times include a teammate forgetting a helmet, an extremely horrible car crash with unsettling timing, and the sound of skreeting rubber right behind us. Biking on the roads is a lot more dangerous than I ever thought and there were times when I felt that someone was watching over me and my team mates. Reflecting on that day, I try and remember the postive part, like the guy who took thirty minutes out of his day to pulled over his car to tell us a safer (totally beautiful) detour. It makes me want to believe in something greater than all of us.Today was fun though. Great company-team "bike for boys/ girl talk" and an ice cream stop at Clay's Cafe. Plus we got to help out our stayover, Broad Street United Methodist Church, with their homeless dinner and I met Miss Mary, she was a hoot and a half. Everyone we have met at every stayover have been extremely nice and each place seems to get better and better. I never knew people could be so loving. I mean seriously... we each got our own omelet for breakfast?! Not only has my stomach been happy, my soul has never been fuller. Thank you Illini4000 for making me a better person to help the fight against cancer. I am pooped and happy tomorrow is an event day. Goodnight.
Columbus!
After days of mountainous climb through the Appalachians, the entire team looked forward to an easy 55 mile bike ride to Columbus, Ohio. Though not as strenuous as the last few days, everyone was still pretty sore, and most groups decided to bike at a slower pace. This gave most of us time to reflect upon how the last few days of biking, portraits, and people we met and all our memories as we bike cross the country. The mountains definitely challenged us and the year-long training definitely helped!Just outside of Columbus, one of the teams met Wyatt Gold, a survivor of renal cancer, who spoke openly with us about the financial burden that his cancer placed on his life. We can’t express enough how much appreciation we have for him taking the time out of his day to talk to us on the side of the road.Once in Columbus, we participated in a community event at Broad St. United Methodist Church, which was gracious enough to provide us with dinner. We also met Emily Schornstein, who gave an incredibly inspiring portrait that touched all the team members that were present. The teams glad that it’s an I4K Friday!With love,Illini 4000
Free Hugs
Today, we found ourselves entering Ohio and I must say; I miss the Appalachians. As we move from state to state, however, one thing has stayed constant; people have not ceased to amaze me, mostly in the positive and minutely in the negative sense. I wish more people had the opportunities I have been blessed with in meeting people both during the ride and more specifically while conducting Portraits. An inspiring woman I talked with yesterday while conducting one such Portrait was no acceptation. Ruthie was a breast cancer survivor and even beyond that, a truly insightful and positive person. I think we all might do well to follow her advice; go into fighting, whatever it may be because as soon as we defeat ourselves, we’ve already almost lost. So, as we continue rolling, day by day, and even beyond this summer and to everyone else, keep that in mind and in the spirit of Ruthie’s warmth, give someone a hug; something I don’t usually advocate, but tonight, I am.
Moving out of the Mountains
Today the team left Wheeling, WV and within less than 2 miles had crossed over into Ohio! At our very first stop at the Fast Lane Cafe in Morristown, Ohio we met a gentleman named Chris who shared his story with us about his father passing away from cancer. Chris was the 14th person we've had the opportunity to conduct a Portrait with and we truly appreciate his willingness to share and motivate us for our miles to come.We finally made it past the hardcore Appalachians, entering less strenuous terrain and made it to Zanesville, OH... the pottery capital of the world! The Westwood Baptist Church generously took us in, spoiled us with cots from the Red Cross, amazing showers at a local gym, and a delicious meal. We are all excited to head to Columbus, OH for our event day to rest our muscles and tend to our bikes.Thanks for the continued support,Illini 4000
To Ohio!
After a wonderful stay at Morgantown, WV, we set of for Wheeling, WV at 6:30 AM promptly. The day started out with a team stretch before the 76-mile day full of climbs! Though not as steep as the last two days, many in the group were still sore from the previous trek through the Appalachians. Traffic today was crazy, with the riders stopping every few miles through the winding, but incredibly beautiful, roads of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. After some slight confusion over cues (detours that try to take us on the interstate just don't work!), the rest of the ride went wonderfully. Today was possible because of the entire group's effort, climbing through the last of the Appalachians. Our ride today to Wheeling, a town of 30,000 people, was made incredibly special by the portraits event that was scheduled for us by the church. After an incredible dinner provided by the St. John's EP Church in Wheeling, Julianne and Tory gave a presentation on Portraits Project. Afterwards, two portraits were conducted. The team would like to thank both Ruthie McWhorter and Debbie Richardson for telling us their amazing stories about their battles with breast cancer, as well as for taking the time to come to the church and meet us. We especially want to thank everyone who has supported us so far. We wouldn't be able to hold this ride without the help of every person who has donated, given us their story, let us sleep on their floor, or simply given us their appreciation. Much love, Illini 4000
Morgantown, WV!
Hello Family, Friends, and Supporters!We made it through day 2 in the mountains and Illini 4000 is still staying strong! It was a long day that started out with a 12 mile climb, but with only one day of mountains left the end seems near! It's unbelievable to think we will almost be in Ohio by tomorrow night, but are excited to head into the Midwest! Thanks so much to Suncrest Methodist Church for providing us with great food and a home for the night!- The Illini 4000
On to the Mountains!
Hello Everyone!Today the Illini 4000 got its first glimpse of mountains! After having to be shuttled into the stay over last night everyone was excited for what the day held. Although it was a long day, all the riders were able to feel the satisfaction of finishing the 75 miles, and got to see many amazing views along the way as well! We are now getting ready to rest up for tomorrow mornin. We were provided an amazing stay over with wonderful food to help us prepare for tomorrow, thanks so much Church of Brethren!!!We'll be back after climbing more mountains!-The Illini 4000
Being Careful
I’ve been told for most of my life to be careful.Be careful not to hurt your kne.Be careful not to cough without covering your mouth.Be careful not to walk to close behind a horse.Be careful to wear your helmet.Be careful to watch for cars.So when every single person I’ve met has told me to be careful, I haven’t been worried. I’ve always been a careful person, so I tend to heed warnings, but I haven’t been concerned at all. Everyone tells me to be careful, I’m careful, it’s always been okay.Before talking about today, I want to talk about yesterday a little bit. It was gorgeous. We biked out of DC, and I marveled at the monuments, and was stunned to pieces by Arlington, including not refraining from experiencing my first round of silent bike tears. We broke off into smaller groups from the original accidental super group, and Amanda, Lauren, and I enjoyed a really great ride through the beautiful W&OD trail in Virginia, where we met some pretty amazing people who had done other cancer based rides, as well as meeting one man from Champaign! It was simply beautiful. However, we hit Trail’s End bike shop (appropriately named, as it was at the end of the trail), and everything went downhill from there. Unfortunately it wasn’t the fun kind of downhill that cyclists enjoy, it was the metaphorical kind that just sucks. Somehow we ended up on the scariest road I’ve EVER ridden on, all incredibly frustrated, and begging for Jaime to manage to find us, which, as the AMAZING ride leader she is, she managed to do, saving all of us from the torrential downpours and from the absolute hell of VA-7.If this was last night, I would describe it as I4Kaos. It was insane. Completely insane. However, I can’t express how proud of my team I am—everyone kept their heads up and stayed positive, even knowing that the Appalachians were coming!However, now, I can’t describe it as anything less than blessed. Even with the awful roads, the torrential rain, and all the interesting places we found shelter in (in my particular case, the awning of an abandoned motel), everyone made it to the stayover completely safe, including minimal bike issues (Alex Kulyk, you are my savior).Today started out completely beautiful. It was sunny, slightly chilly, and promised a challenging but cheery day through the mountains. I was really happy to be pedaling through the Appalachians, which were amazingly beautiful, and far greener than I ever thought it would be. After a morning filled with bike stacks to set my camera on and set up the timer, we were really enjoying rolling through the mountains, feeling super accomplished!After awhile, Ashley had some serious issues with her rear wheel, which was pretty disconcerting, but she thought it would be fine. About 40 miles in, I don’t know what happened, but I started pedaling, and immediately screamed out in pain because my left knee (which happens to be the bad one) hurt so much I could barely move, none the less pedal up a mountain. Ashley and I sat on the side of the road, both still smiling, but both wondering why today was so determined to go wrong. Bradford came to get us, so he could fix her bike and put me in the van. I was originally really upset to be stuck in the van—I just wanted to push my way through the mountains! Later on, however, I realized how incredibly blessed we are.For example, one group today rode away from the lunch stop before realizing that one of the riders had forgotten her helmet, so two of the riders took off back up the hill to get it for her. On their way back down, they saw a number of ambulances go flying by. When they rode on, they found a huge car accident. In said accident, the team of riders thinks that someone may have passed away. Had the team been just slightly later, goodness only knows what may have happened. That fact alone is incredibly sobering as to how today could’ve gone, and how we didn’t have it nearly as bad as we thought we did.Another rider broke a derailleur hanger and crashed pretty hard, but came out of the crash with only minor scratches and some slight bruising. One more rider got in the van with me due to her knee pain, and all 3 of us were pretty down on our bad luck for the day, but now I can’t help be wonder what things may have happened to us had we not been stuck in the van.Suddenly, returning to the stayover, everyone’s warning of be careful made more sense. The team was definitely blessed today, managing to come out of everything with only some low morale, slight scratching, a few aching knees, and a couple of broken bikes.So, my lesson for today was definitely be careful, but more importantly, be grateful and glad for the small things.
Appalachians, Ahoy
So today was our first in the Appalachian Mountains and it was amazing; it was challenging, fast and most of all; beautiful. Every view from the top of a new mountain was exponentially worth every pedal that went towards getting there. I would be lying if I said that prior to today, I wasn’t a little apprehensive about riding in the Appalachians but all of those thoughts went away about 5 miles down US 50. We have two more days in this range and then we move on to the Midwest. I feel like we’ve been doing this trip for ages but it’s really only been a week. It amazes me that this group of college students (and beyond) has set out to do this trip; literally making their way across America one pedal stroke at a time.Also, due to a lack of internet and a very long day yesterday, I have a few words to leave you with that should more or less sum up the day; The Secret Service, tornado watches,VA-7, and sitting in our new best friend, Serge’s garage.Signed,Watch tanned, eating honey roasted almonds, and forever thirsty.
When the unexpected happens
Today was day 7 of the ride and so far the days have been gone decently well. We've gotten lost a few times, the weather was extremely hot a few days, and sometimes there were no showers. But today, so far, has topped them all.Within five minutes of leaving the stayover we had already gotten lost, 2 miles from out stayover we realized Liz left her camel back at the white house while taking a picture causing a national security threat, by noon we were only 8 miles into the cues but we had already ridden 27 miles (we went the exact opposite direction we were supposed to), and around what was supposed to be mile 23 but was really about mile 50 for our group, it started pouring rain and hailing on us with a tornado watch in the area.Then we got word that the last 25 miles or so of our day was on a dangerous road with no shoulder, hilly, twisting, and in the pouring rain posing a safety hazard. So Jaime made the call to shuttle us in to the stayover (good call Jaime). My group stopped at a bike shop for shelter and my front shifter had been acting funny for a few miles so I had them check it out.Right when we thought the day couldn't get much worse, I got news that my shifter was broken and I would need a total replacement for it. It was supposed to be very expensive and no one had a 105 shifter in stock. My bike shop at home offered to send me one that I could get under warranty by Wednesday. This meant a week of no riding. I would miss the Appalachian mountains and an entire week of the trip. I felt cheated. My brand new bike was not supposed to break out of no where and I would feel like somewhat of a failure if I didn't bike any of the Appalachians. On the verge of tears I thought about why we were riding.I had just been given what seemed like some terrible news for my current situation, but putting that news relative to receiving the news about being diagnosed with cancer, or a loved one getting diagnosed with cancer suddenly seemed so insignificant and petty. I immediately stopped feeling sorry for myself because my problem could be fixed even if it inconvenienced me for a little while, but cancer leaves no promises. This is one reason why we ride. Even though what we are doing seems almost impossible and crazy at times, it is nothing in comparison to the hardships cancer brings along. Riding for the cause is what keeps us going through days like today that seem as if everything that could go wrong does.I also learned that the people you are with makes all the difference in the world. The Trial Ends Bike Shop gave and installed an old shifter for me so that I could ride through the mountains with my team, and he even handled my warranty for my shifter so that by the time I get to Chicago it will be there waiting for me and my bike will be brand new again. They were the kindest people and gave me hope again. Shout out to my group today... Liz, Tricia, Kenny, Lola, and Shannon who kept so positive despite the knock downs and were so willing to help when I felt so hopeless.
A Day of Ups and Downs
After an eventful day in Washington DC, we hit the road again today! Off to Winchester, VA for our first encounters with the foothills of mountains, or so we thought.The day began with a nice and easy trail ride out of the DC area. About halfway through the ride, we began to realize that the only way into Winchester from the east was on a big ole highway! To complicate matters, a storm was imminent. Thanks to the kindness of strangers at Trail's End Bike Shop and the home of a man named Sergio, everyone stayed safe until our trusty ride leader came to the rescue! Our support van came to take us to a stayover, rather than having us bike on the highway. Though we didn't get to ride through the beautiful end of today's route, we did manage to keep everyone safe, and we're ready to really hit the mountains tomorrow.Thanks again for your support,The Illini 4000
Leaving DC
An event day at DC was wonderful. I feel like we got some rest that we needed after having five days of biking. It felt like it was over almost too soon. DC probably is my favorite big city so far. It was just right size, and had a lot of places that were interesting.I met up with my old friend who I have known since the first grade. We were babies back then, but it is amazing to see each other all grown up. We've spent good time together-- went to see things and had wonderful meals. I am glad I did that.Starting in seven hours we will hit some mountains and rougher landscape. I am nervous, but I know we will all pull this one off very well. I do not know if I am ready now, but maybe by tomorrow morning I will? :) Now it's time to go to bed, Good night world.
Crossing the Delaware
A hard, howling, tossing water scene.Strong tide was washing hero clean."How cold!" Weather stings as in anger.O Silent night shows war ace danger!
The cold waters swashing on in rage.Redcoats warn slow his hint engage.When star general's action wish'd "Go!"He saw his ragged continentals row.
Ah, he stands – sailor crew went going.And so this general watches rowing.He hastens – winter again grows cold.A wet crew gain Hessian stronghold.
George can't lose war with's hands in;He's astern – so go alight, crew, and win!
-David Shulman, 1936
- Jaime Ruan, Sarah Bopp, Casey Fee and Young Han Crossing The Delaware
It was nothing like that. Jaime, Sarah, Casey, Young and I had a super fun day riding from Newark, Delaware to Philadelphia with no worry of war, waves, or coldness. Although we had a bit of warm rain earlier that morning, the clouds were long gone by the time of our crossing. Were were greeted by lovely signs declaring "share the road with bicycles" and many bike lanes leading us into the city of brotherly love. And that it was. Barely asking, the fine people of Philly donated us huge amounts of food to our team that is still sustaining us today (if you're every in Philly, definitely stop by the Reading Terminal Market http://www.readingterminalmarket.org and Jake's pizza on Broad St). We were also treated to a wonderful place to sleep by The Arch St. United Methodist Church --A beautiful cathedral in the center of Philidelphia's historic downtown. Contrary to its reputation on "It's always sunny in Philadelphia," Philly was actually an incredibly friendly, welcoming town to visit. I totally understand why Old George retreated back on that historic day.
Just the beginning...
It's hard to believe we've made it this far already. After six days, five states, and three portraits under our belts, I feel truly blessed to be apart of such an amazing organization. It was during our very first day of riding last Friday when I came to understand how powerful an experience this trip will be. While biking through town after town that day, people stopped next to us at stop lights, working at our rest stops, or even just walking down the street wanted to know who we were and what we were doing. I couldn't believe the overwhelming response of gratitude we receive when we explained we were a group of college students dedicated to the fight against cancer. I realized then how important it is to so many people that we are doing this, and how big of an impact we can make. These past six days have been completely unreal and I can only imagine what's in store in the days to come.