Colette Hapi

Colette is a senior at Frostburg State University.  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 Portland.

What is your connection with the cancer community?

I have been lucky enough to not to have cancer affect anyone i am close to but when i was little the doctors had told my family that there was a chance that my mom had breast cancer. As a child, that was probably one of the scariest and most vivid experiences. Although i feel blessed to have only felt the pain that comes from it for a short amount of time, there are others who have to live with the pain for long periods of time. i have had friends whose family have battled with cancer; some won but some lost. so although i do not have a direct link to the cancer community, this brief encounter made me realize just how life changing this disease can be and how connected we all are, one way or another. so it is one of my goals in life to give a helping hand in finding the cure, not for myself but for the human race.

Why are you riding the 4K for Cancer?

I am riding the 4k for cancer to make a difference. I am a firm believer in that one person can make a big difference. So as we are going through the ride we will bringing awareness to other communities. And i believe the more knowledgeable we are about the cause, the easier and faster it would be to find a cure. Whether it be through the doctors or through donation because every additional dollar just brings us that much closer to our goal. Not to mention that it would a great character builder, and a great adventure for a great cause.