Dara Male
Dara is a senior at Johns Hopkins University where she is studying Civil Engineering. In the summer of 2011 she is riding with a group of college students on a 70 day, 4000 mile bike ride from Baltimore to Seattle. Money raised by our riders goes to support 4K for Cancer's mission of spreading awareness, fostering hope and uniting communities across the county in the fight against cancer. We do this through cancer education programs, health screenings and by visiting cancer patients at hospitals, cancer centers and hospices each day during the ride. 4K also gives financial support to local, cancer centric non-profits in the communities we bike through.
I have connections to cancer, too; it’s hard to find someone today who doesn’t. I have seen my friends and parents suffer when someone close to them was diagnosed, and while cancer has the power to tear down families it also has the incredible ability to bring people closer as we realize how fragile our lives are. Unfortunately, this realization is often too little too late.
Although I will ride for 60 days and 4,000 miles with my heart full of memories of my strong relatives who put up hard fights against cancer, my ultimate goal is to start fighting now in order to help develop a cure before another friend or family member is diagnosed. I know this bike ride is going to be grueling, but it is nothing compared to the fight of cancer patients, and I hope I can be part of the solution to end such terrible battles.
I look forward to meeting new people and seeing more of my country. This opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime, and I cannot pass up the chance to challenge myself for such a good cause. I’m currently a senior civil engineer at the Johns Hopkins University, originally from Princeton Junction, NJ. All contributions will be greatly appreciated; this bike would not be possible without your support.
