More than 4,000 miles, nearly two dozen states, and 11 weeks later, the 2024 Illini 4000 team has raised over $60,000 and arrived at the end of a long but fulfilling journey: a bike ride across America to fight cancer.
The Illini 4000 is a non-profit organization committed to spreading cancer awareness and raising funds for research and patient support services. Each year, a team of students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign bikes across the country, connecting with people through The Portraits Project and learning about survivors’ stories. This year’s 18 riders started their journey in New York City on May 27 and arrived in San Francisco on August 10.
In mid-June, the team stopped in Champaign-Urbana for a visit with friends and family. The CCIL hosted the group at the Beckman Institute where students shared stories about the journey, as well as their own connections to the cause.
“Cancer has deeply impacted my family; I’ve had lots of family members who are survivors and lost some as well. This organization supports an important cause and I’m really proud to be a part of it,” said Kevin Murphy, a rising senior in history and political science.
The CCIL has been a proud supporter of the Illini 4000, and a portion of the funds raised are dedicated to the institute. To learn more about the Illini 4000 you can visit their website or find them on Instagram.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Florence Lin, CCIL Communications Intern