Alexandra Neff
Alexandra is a sophmore at Smith College. In the summer of 2012 she is riding with a group of college students on a 70 day, 4000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to Seattle.
What is your connection with the cancer community?
My mother is an oncology nurse, and I have grown up meeting some of the most amazing and inspiring individuals, and watching many of them lose the battle against cancer. I have always been completely awed and inspired by the strength, determination, pride, and optimism shown by so many people affected by this disease. Watching friends, family, and even complete strangers go through months of chemotherapy, and still smile and continue on, has inspired me to do whatever I can to help. My mother is one of my greatest role models, not only because of how committed she is to oncology, but also because she is there for the joy and fulfillment of each day of support. She showed me that sometimes, the greatest comfort is showing someone that they are not alone. I want to do the same.
Why are you riding the 4K for Cancer?
I remember in elementary school watching my father bike the MS 150. I hoped that one day I would be able to achieve such a seemingly impossible goal and to contribute, through fundraising, sweat, and sore muscles, to the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. When I found out about the 4k for Cancer ride, I knew this was my chance to finally give my own body and mind to an organization united for cancer support. I do not know when else I will have the time to contribute to the distance of this ride. I want to be part of a team that can help connect communities all across the country and that will strengthen the network of support, giving every resource to people who have already given their bodies to their own fights. Biking from coast to coast will be difficult, but it is a small challenge in comparison to what thousands of cancer patients go through every day.
