by Dave Warner
The Illini 4000 is a student-run nonprofit at the University of Illinois that started 14 years ago and is dedicated to the fight against cancer. Each year, the group raises money for cancer research and patient support services before embarking on a cross-country bike ride from New York City to San Francisco.
This year will be the Illini 4000’s 14th ride, donating over $ 1million to 10 different beneficiaries in their history, with over 275 alumni.
On their journey, the riders document the American cancer experience through The Portraits Project, which is a collection of stories, memories, and advice from cancer patients and their relatives. Cancer has touched all our lives in some way, so they want you to help them tell your story and create a message of hope amidst the fight against cancer.
According to Viraat Goel, one of the riders “Over the course of 75-80 days, as we’re biking, we’ll have chance encounters with people who have either experienced cancer or relatives that have experienced cancer, because, in one way or another, cancer has touched all of our lives.”
“We document what their experiences are just like a mini-interview. Very casual. We compile all of these portraits and place them on our website so that it’s a haven of hope. Where somebody who is going through the ordeal of dealing with cancer, can read and connect with these stories,” said Goel.
If you are interested in meeting the riders and giving them your story, they’ll be arriving in Little Falls today, Monday, May 24th between 4-6 pm at the Youth and Family Center (YMCA). After putting away their gear, they’ll be ready to hear your stories.
Goel said, “At that time, we’ll be able to meet and greet people who are coming and that would be lovely.”
You can donate and find out more about the group by visiting illini4000.org or the Portraits Project at portraitsproject.org.