Meg Lavin
Meg is studying History and the History of Art at the Johns Hopkins 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 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.
When it comes to cancer, I am among a lucky few. Cancer has never had a serious impact on my life. Although I have seen my aunt battle breast cancer as well as other members of my extended family fight the disease, my immediate family has never been affected. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to have to watch one them go through that and I hope I never have to. It would take a kind of strength that I cannot even fathom.
Despite my good fortune, it is impossible to live in our world and not be affected by this disease. As it stands now, cancer accounts for almost 1 in 4 deaths in the United States, it is expected that by the end of this year 569,490 people will have died from some form of cancer. That breaks down to about 1,500 people a day. And for each of those people that dies from cancer there are countless loved ones who are left devastated by the loss of a mother, father, sister, brother, grandparent, or friend. Far too many people in this country and around the world have their lives ripped apart by cancer.
The 4K is the opportunity to really make a difference, both by raising money and inspiring hope in cancer patients across the country. I am riding the 4K in the hope that my good fortune continues and my family remains cancer free and with the hope that in the future every family can experience this same blessing.
Thank you for your support!
Meg
