Kaitlin Kerins
Kaitlin is a senior at Loyola University Maryland where she is studying Marketing. 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 San Francisco. 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.
In the words of Gandhi, you must “be the change you wish to see in the world,” and I cannot think of a better place to start than the 4K for Cancer. After taking part in Loyola’s Relay For Life for three years now, I have seen the dreaded effects that this disease has had on countless members of our community. As a part of the Survivorship committee I have also had the opportunity to hear several inspirational and heart-wrenching stories from survivors that have attended our event. It is people like this, those who have been through so much and still seem to remain positive, that have motivated me to take on this journey to do my part in making a difference in the lives of others.
Through this ride I hope to inspire others to try something they may think to be impossible. An end to cancer may seem far off in the distance now, but with each mile traveled on this ride and each dollar donated we are that much closer to finding a cure.
This summer I am biking for my grandmother, Susan Reilly, who fought and won her battle with breast cancer. I am biking for my grandfather, John Reilly, who passed away from cancer in October of 2008. For my Uncle Bill who recently fought laryngeal cancer, my paternal grandfather who had a bout with prostate cancer, and my great Aunt Carol who passed away from breast cancer. Finally, I am biking in an effort to see an end to cancer in my lifetime and to give those currently in their fight the courage to stay strong.
