We are sadly aware of the horrible swiftness of cancer, a disease which can overcome a loved one despite the continuing progress of medical research. For the past three years, Hopkins 4K for Cancer has helped Hopkins students fight cancer, raising research money with helmets and pedals. Dan Witsil and Travis Snow, seasoned veterans of the 4K, spoke with the News-Letter about the program, which works to provide hope in the face of sickness and death.
Initiated three years ago by two graduates of the class of '04, Ryan Hanley and Leah Blon, the Hopkins 4K for Cancer was founded in memory of Ryan's father with a mantra of hope and awareness. The original 4K consisted of twenty-four participants who embarked on a 4,000-mile cross-country biking journey to support cancer research and rehabilitation. While the goals and philosophy of the 4K remain the same, much has changed since its creation. In its third year of existence, the 4K has amassed more than three times its original donations, sending a grand total of $160,000 to the American Cancer Society last summer. The 4K has hosted 74 riders over the past three years and is currently sponsored by organizations such as Trek and Joe's Mt. Washington Bike Shop. But the most prized achievements of the 4K is neither the money donated nor the sponsorships and support received.
Over the years, the 4K has become less of a biking event and more of a patient related endeavor. With the help of ever-growing popularity and firm organization, the 4K has extended its reach during the course of the two month journey, making stops in cities including Cleveland and St. Louis. At these stops, bikers stay overnight and spend the day in cancer clinics, meeting and interacting with patients and bringing a smile where they can. Aside from the great good it does the patients to see someone fight for their cause, the greatest reward for each rider is the personal satisfaction these visits bring.
As Dan told me during our conversation, "You really understand the importance of your cause when you're in the middle of Nebraska and a woman is crying on your shoulder, thanking you for your dedication to their struggle."
While the 4K event has expanded over the years, the program's greatest advance is the creation of the Hope Lodge, to which the proceeds of the event indirectly go. The Lodge is a place for cancer patients over the age of sixteen, who receive medical treatment at either Johns Hopkins University or University of Maryland medical facilities during their stay. Even after the 4K ride is completed each year, riders continue to offer their services at the Lodge, visiting patients periodically and hosting several events intended to lighten spirits and kindle hope. Whether it's cooking a meal, playing a game, or hosting Mexican Night, the riders do more than their part to maintain a positive atmosphere amidst a dismal illness.
Today the original message of "hope and awareness" continues to be spread, and Dan and Travis are always looking for new riders, but more importantly, people that want to join in the fight against cancer. No previous biking experience is required and a bike is provided; all an active participant must bring is his desire to help those in need. Dan and Travis are especially enthusiastic for the future of the Hope Lodge, and encourage those interested to help out at the lodge, if not on the bike path.
For people like Dan and Travis cancer is an ongoing battle that demands determination and hope. As Travis says, "there are more survivor stories and less sob stories, and that's enough to tell us that our cause is one worth fighting for."
If interested you can contact Travis or Dan at contact@hopkins4k.org and checkout the program's Web site at http://www.hopkins4k.org
Information sessions are on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Both are held in the McCoy multipurpose room.
