Stephanie Ausfresser

Stephanie is a senior student at Towson 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 San Francisco.

What is your connection with the cancer community?

I always knew cancer was a part of my history since both of my great grandmothers had died from pancreatic and breast cancer before I was born. However,it wasn't until recently that I had felt the full effects of cancer when my great aunt died. She lost her fight at the of age 83 in November after battling breast cancer for 30 years. Although I knew more about her through the stories that my mother shared with me than time spent with her, her passing was a great loss in our family.

Why are you riding the 4K for Cancer?

The first time I heard about the 4K for Cancer was during an informational meeting at Towson University. They introduced it as a 70 day bike ride across the country. As someone who loves biking, I was immediately interested. They then explained its connection to the cancer community and that’s when I knew I had to do it. Combining my love of biking and helping others was an amazing opportunity. Although I ride on my own now, I have never done anything this extreme. Climbing up the mountains for many miles day after day is nothing compared to what the cancer patients go through with enduring painful treatments and terrible side effects. With every pedal, I know I will be supporting the cancer community. I will be riding 4000 miles across the country in memory of my aunt and the hundreds of others who are dealing with this awful illness. I greatly appreciate your contribution of any amount to this very important cause. Thanks so much for your support!