Klamath Falls, Ore. – Some college students from Illinois are biking across the United States with a very special goal.
They made a stop today in Klamath Falls.
Ride leader Ben Wooley explains that the group of 28 cyclists left New York City on May 24th…
“We raise money for cancer research, and patient support services.”
This year’s ‘Illini 4000’ ride has already raised over $100,000.
“And we also have this program called the ‘Portraits Project’.” Adds rider Hannah Russell. “We reach out to people who have been affected by cancer, and just ask them to share their stories with us.”
The group will finish their 4,500 mile trip in San Francisco this Sunday.
Hannah Russell says the survivors they’ve met along the way provide extra inspiration…
“Whenever it’s hard, climbing up a mountain, or it’s just really windy, you just keep thinking about how someone who is diagnosed with cancer can’t give up – so we won’t give up.”
The riders also learn a lesson of love.
“When you really get out, you talk to everyone.” Says Ben Wooley. “You go across this country, you find out that this country is made of fantastic people.”
Students from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign came up with the idea in 2006.
It’s estimated they’ve raised over $800,000 over the past nine cross-country rides.
You can find out more at:
www.illini4000.org and www.portraitsproject.org
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