Rachael Smith
Rachael is a sophomore at Mount Holyoke College. In the summer of 2013 she is riding with a group of college-aged students on a 70 day, 4000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to Seattle.
What is your connection with the cancer community?
Last winter, I received the devastating news that my friend's father, Bruce Thulin, had finally passed away after a long battle with a very rare form of cancer, hymangiopericytoma. Many of my earliest memories of hiking and trips to the ocean were with Bruce and he was one of the first people to instill a strong love of the outdoors within me. His kindness and zest for life were infectious. While Bruce may be my closest connection with the cancer community, I have met countless people affected by this disease. Whether it be a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, a child, a teammate, a friend, or your own battle with cancer, we are all a part of this community.
Why are you riding with the 4K for Cancer?
I cannot think of a better way to commemorate Bruce's life than through a biking trip in the outdoors. While I am dedicating this ride to Bruce and the other people in my life who have been affected by this disease, I also wish to inspire others to become active in the fight against cancer. We might not all have the desire to bike across the country, but donating any amount of money or time to this cause puts us closer to a cure. As I've been inspired by the courage and strength of patients and their loved ones, I hope that this ride can provide comfort for them, as well as give them the motivation to keep fighting.
Thank you for your support!
Feel free to send any questions to:
smith26r@mtholyoke.edu
