Sidni Giordano
Sidni is a senior at Frostburg State University. In the summer of 2012 she is riding with a group of college students on a 70 day, 4000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to Portland.
What is your connection with the cancer community?
Just like many other young adults, cancer has affected my life in several different ways. Although I have never personally been diagnosed, I have seen it transform the lives of many beloved family members and friends. I’ve witnessed the pain and heartbreak it causes, along with the tremendous amount of stress placed on surrounding loved ones. Some are now survivors, while others have unfortunately succumbed to the disease. Regardless of the outcome, a cancer patient’s path to recovery is always frustrating and filled with turmoil. However, my relationship with cancer reaches beyond a personal level. All too often, we tend to think of ourselves as just individuals, separated from one another, yet cancer is a devastating phenomenon that affects society as a whole. The connection I feel with humanity has further inspired my attitudes, perceptions, and awareness of the disease. I believe that everything we do impacts one another, which is why my connection to the cancer community has motivated me to participate in the 4k for Cancer ride.
Why are you riding the 4K for Cancer?
In the past, I have participated in small-scale fundraising events, such as 5ks and Relay for Life. When I heard about the 4k for Cancer, I was immediately hooked and knew that was exactly how I wanted to spend my summer. I was intrigued by the passion, dedication, and adventurous spirit that surrounded this life-changing journey across America. Participating in the 4K ride would give me a sense of purpose and contribution to the fight against cancer. I want to spread the message that there is still hope for a cure by volunteering, raising money, and recognizing the outstanding amount of courage displayed by cancer patients. I am interested in forming a personal connection with people, as opposed to simply donating money. As a health advocate, I am very aware that leading a healthy lifestyle is a preventative measure against cancer. Cycling across the country exemplifies this idea and I hope to educate others about prevention, early detection, and cancer screenings. I feel that I have dedicated a lot of time to improving myself and now that I am graduating, I would love to dedicate my time to improving the lives of others. Now that I know about the 4K for Cancer, I could not imagine a more meaningful way to spend my summer of transitioning into adulthood. I look forward to the challenge.
