Adam Ismaeil, a 2012 graduate of Florida Southern College, will spend this coming summer riding a bike across the country as a part of the 4K for Cancer.
Ismaeil and a group of college-aged students will travel over 4,000 miles in 70 days as they ride across the country, starting in Baltimore and finishing in San Diego.
The 4K for Cancer, a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, aims to offer hope and inspiration to families and communities across the United States that have been affected by cancer.
After the effect cancer has had on his family, the two-time lacrosse team captain felt compelled to do something to support cancer awareness.
“In the 80’s my grandmother survived bladder cancer. Then, before my junior year of high school, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and eventually had her left breast removed. She has been cancer free ever since,” Ismaeil said. “Then we found out that my aunt had colon cancer in 2008. She survived after a long battle.”
Ismaeil, whose life has clearly been touched by cancer, was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother. He thought this would be the perfect way to honor them for all they have gone through.
“It’s not about looking for praise,” Ismaeil said. “It’s just a way to honor them for their individual battles with cancer. And more than anything else, it’s a way to say thanks and honor them for raising me.”
Ismaeil and the group he is riding with will make daytime stops throughout the voyage to speak with kids and people affected by cancer before finding church basements or parks to spend their nights in.
“It’s about empowering communities to stand up and fight against cancer,” Ismaeil said. “I’ll be talking to kids and other people with cancer along the way.”
All of the money donated to Ismaeil’s cause in the 4K for Cancer will go directly to the Ulman Cancer Fund. Ismaeil is excited to start the trip and give thanks to his mother and grandmother the best way he knows how.
“It’s something I can feel good about when I wake up every day,” Ismaeil said. “I’m doing it for [my mother and grandmother], but the fact that I can help out a bunch of other people along the way is icing on the cake.”
Ismaeil has already had $3,500 donated to his cause. He hopes to raise up to $12.000 when all is said and done.
To donate to Ismaeil’s cause, visit his profile page on the 4K for Cancer website.
