Maria Mercurio
Maria is a student at McDaniel College University where she is double major in English and Biology. 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.
Cancer is a word heard far too often when people talk of loss and of pain. Even those who have never seen cancer have been affected by it in one way or another, its consequences devastating far beyond the scope of a single life.
When I first heard about the 4K through a campus email, I thought it would be a great opportunity to support an inspiring cause and gain unbelievable life experience, I also thought it was an opportunity that could wait a year. I asked for more information about the 4K, making it clear that my interest was in future rides. About a week later, I got an email about an information meeting for anyone who was interested. I went to the meeting and saw all of one other person there with me. I was shocked by the lack of people, but remained firm in my “I’ll do it next year” attitude. I left in awe of everything that the 4K is.
It was later that night, while looking at the website that I realized the severe flaw in my attitude. The reality is that cancer patients do not get to put off the disease for a month, families do not get to delay their pain by a year, so why would I ever consider putting off an opportunity like this for one day? My conviction to join the ride became solid and immobile at that moment and will remain that way until I have reached the water of San Francisco Bay. I am not a cyclist, nor has my life been strongly affected by cancer. However, neither of these even comes close to being a legitimate excuse for sitting on the sidelines. I am ready to fight my way from Baltimore to San Francisco on a bike in the hope that my journey will inspire at least one person and the money I raise will give hope to the rest. I am just your average college freshman, but I am seizing the opportunity to make a difference and I hope you will help me in that effort.
Any contribution you can make is appreciated more than you know. If you wish to talk to me, tell me your story, ask me a question, etc. feel free to email me at rydieswaai@yahoo.com.
Thank you so much!
