Chey Hillsgrove
Chey attended Frostburg State University. In the summer of 2012 he is riding with a group of college students on a 70 day, 4000 mile bike ride from Baltimore to Portland.
What is your connection with the cancer community?
Fighting this cause is very important to me. I’ve personally been affected by the disease in a multitude of ways. My grandfather, the man who taught me love and patience, passed away from Pancreatic Cancer several years ago in 2000. This loss proved to be a great hardship. Grandpop was the “go to” man. If anything was to ever break or someone needed a hand, I knew without a doubt that he would be there. Throughout my years of knowing him, I’ve always seen him as my “Superman.” It’s unfortunate that I was not old enough before he got sick to help him with his passion of working on cars. I feel this is a huge experience I missed out on. I never thought I’d have to imagine my life without my hero. A second mom of many sorts, Debra Keene, passed away from Lung Cancer and Lymphoma. This wonderful woman enriched the lives of many from her ever giving spirit even when most days she did without. From her passing, I truly understood just how generous she was and how important it is to provide loved ones with love and support even in the absence of a dollar.
Why are you riding the 4K for Cancer?
Last summer, I rode with 4K for the first time. In 70 days, 4,000+ miles across the United States, I met so many people that have been affected by cancer and have seen the devistation it cuases. BUT I have also seen how people come together. I have seen how a smile and a hug can be stronger than cancer's destructive powers. The stories and the struggles have brought people closer than ever. In honor of life’s toughest war, I’m deeply grateful of this opportunity to once again, spread awareness and remember those who have impacted my life. I hope by my doing so other people will be inspired and one day we can all live Cancer free.
