Senior Kevin Lugo prepares for 4K for Cancer bike trip from Baltimore to Seattle
Senior Kevin Lugo prepares for 4k for Cancer. (Photo credit: 4kforcancer.org)
By Janelle Thompson, Staff Writer
This summer after graduation Senior Kevin Lugo, an Environmental Studies and Economics double-major, will be riding from Baltimore to Seattle with a group of 29 college students and recent graduates. The feat of cycling cross-country will be physically taxing to say the least, and when speaking to Lugo about the trip you can sense his trepidation. The physical demands of a journey of this magnitude are hard to ignore, but the summer after graduation is the time when you take advantage of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities before the monotony of a post-college career.
While studying abroad in Denmark, Lugo rediscovered his love for cycling as a sustainable means of transportation. After realizing that his initial plan of travelling through Europe after Commencement wouldn’t be feasible, Lugo considered the idea of experiencing the United States on two wheels. His search for group rides led him to the 4K for Cancer, an annual ride beginning in Baltimore with destinations in San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego and Portland that raises money for the Ulman Cancer Fund For Young Adults. Lugo said that he is going on this ride for several reasons. The first is the immense need of young adults struggling with cancer. Diagnosis between the ages of 15-40 is almost eight times as high as in the first 15 years of life. Survival rates for this age group have increased at a fraction of those for children and the elderly. Young adults are the least likely to be properly insured, if insured at all. Clinical trials have done amazing things for young children, but participation rates for young adults are terribly low. Young adults simply do not have the same support, resources or, ultimately, chances as other age groups.
Lugo also rides because his life has been touched by the weight of cancer. His grandfather, Milton Kendrick, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2000 and passed away in 2004. His grandfather’s story shares many similarities with those of young adults: poor insurance, limited support networks, lack of financial security and support. The emotional and financial impact on Lugo and his family was enormous.
Lugo is the Service Coordinator for the trip and is looking forward to planning service events and sharing stories with the people he meets during the trip. His group will be cooking dinners at Hope Lodges, running small fundraising events and volunteering with local support organizations. Lugo is most excited to visit Camp Māk-A-Dream in Montana and personally hand out college scholarships to young adults who have either been diagnosed with cancer are supported a parent or sibling who has battled the disease.
There is a story to tell by those whose lives have been interwoven with the pain of cancer. We can do so much to assist Lugo’s in his journey as he rides out to touch the lives of those who need it most. His goal is to raise $7,476, a figure significant because it marks the freedom and responsibility of America’s independence. There are several ways to donate and support his mission. Lugo has a website http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/kevin-lugo/ that gives instructions on how to donate online, send a check, or give him cash in person. Lugo emphasizes that every little bit counts, even if you can only spare a dollar or two. Kevin will also be selling raffle tickets for gift cards to stores such as Giant, Weis, and Kennie’s. On Saturday, April 13 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m., there will be a sales event at the Blue & Gray where 10 percent of the proceeds will go towards Kevin’s ride. Friendly’s will also be hosting an all day event on a date to be decided later, and 20 percent of their profits will be given to the 4K for Cancer fund.
He also wants every donation to be given on behalf of someone who has battled cancer so that each day of his ride can be dedicated to a single individual. You can also follow Kevin on his blog http://tineis.wordpress.com/ as he travels across the country to get a taste of his experience. If you know someone in any stage of cancer, whether in active treatment or a survivor, ask them if they would like to be a Pedal Pal. The 4K riders would love to find a pen pal to make their ride even more personal – sign up at http://4kforcancer.org/pedalpals/.
Mostly, Lugo asks for our encouragement in his endeavor. It’s a daunting task, but he approached the challenge with a tangible excitement, and encourages everyone to talk to him about all that he is doing. His work resonates with me as it should with all of us because everyone knows someone who has or is currently fighting cancer, even here at Gettysburg. Lugo also urges us all to be aware of the vast scope of this disease and its prevalence among the middle aged including those graduating from high school, and those entering the work force.
I tell Kevin that I am in awe of all he is doing, but he tells me that for him this ride represents not only service, but also an opportunity for adventure; the freedom of going and doing exactly what he wants to do. It’s his chance to fulfill a desire for undeterred exploration. To those who donate or follow his trail, this ride will mean many things but in the end it’s important to Kevin because it is his opportunity to make a difference.
