Julia Chew

Julia is studying Political Science at Queen’s University. 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 Portland. 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.

Based on 2009 incidence rates, an estimated 1 out of every 4 Canadians are expected to die from cancer. Take a moment to reflect upon this statistic. It can be difficult to fathom our vulnerability to this disease but it is equally important to remember that cancer does not discriminate. When cancer affects one man, it subsequently hurts every person in his/her circle of relationships. Cancer affects everybody.

This summer, I will be riding 4000 miles (that’s 6437.376 kilometers) across the US with 4K for Cancer. We will be cycling from the East Coast to the West to visit communities and spread awareness about early detection and healthy living. We will continually raise funds towards organizations dedicated to the cancer cause, and we will have the privilege to speak and listen to stories from those whom have been touched by cancer.

The trip will be tough, and I will be sunburned and sweat-ridden each day. But compared to the strength of someone fighting cancer, the strength of their family members to have hope each day and to put on a smile for tomorrow, my temporary struggles will not compare. I find hope in these men and women, and I hope they find strength in our journey too.

To Cycle, To Inspire, To Unite is the goal of the 4K for cancer. I have the utmost faith in this summer and the possibility of what 30 passionate minds can achieve.

I have pledged to raise $4500 this year. Please support me in my ride by donating through the Paypal link on the right panel or by mailing a check to 4K for Cancer with my name in the Memo to 4K for Cancer, P.O. Box 4730 Baltimore, MD 21211 If you would like to include the names of those of whom you are donating in memory of, I will carry the names with me throughout the trip as a dedication and ode to their strength.

Thank you for your support and kind generosity.