Team Believe Members

Sarah Breevoort
Kennesaw, GA
I was born in raised in GA, but my family hails from around the globe. My father was born and raised in The Netherlands, and my mother’s side of the family is a few generations removed from Russia. I am a third year student studying biochemistry and molecular biology with the intention of pursuing an MD/PhD program in cancer biology following my graduation in May of 2008. My undergraduate career has granted me many opportunities for which I am extremely thankful. I have been able to participate in cancer research for the past two years, and this spring, before embarking on our trip, I will present my research at symposiums in San Francisco and Costa Rica. Besides academics I am very passionate about traveling, the environment, and fitness. Yes, I am bit of an organic-eating, yoga-meditating, environment-loving, endurance junkie, and I’m ok with that!

Nathan Crain
Roswell, GA
Parents: Bill and Shanna Crain
I was born in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. I will be graduating this May from UGA with a Bachelors of Science in genetics and a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish. I love the great outdoors, and my current hobbies include mountaineering, hiking, biking and racquet sports of all types. My research interests in genetics include the study of proteins associated with immortal, or cancerous, cells. It is only a matter of time before research will unlock the keys to preventing cancer. I will be returning to South America where I plan to work in a hospital in Trujillo, Peru upon graduation before entering medical school to pursue my next degree. I wish to never stop exploring, traveling and meeting new people.

Clare Scott
Clemson, SC
I am the daughter of Janet and Simon Scott, the sister of Chloë, and the part-owner of a basset, Cora, and a beagle, Belle (aka crazy eye and her partner in crime). I will be graduating in the spring with B.S. degrees in Genetics and Entomology. Currently, my plans include going to graduate school in fall 2007. My particular research interest is insect systematics. I look forward to raising money for cancer research on this trip and enjoying some of my last free time before entering the real world. I enjoy almost anything athletic, playing the piano, and relaxing with my friends.

John Binford
Loiusville, KY
I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and I have nothing but love for the beloved bluegrass. I moved to Athens at the age of 18 to attend the University of Georgia. At the end of this spring semester I will graduate with a bachelors of science in both genetics and psychology. My undergraduate experiences have led me to every continent except for Antarctica--teaching, working in hospitals, and climbing mountains. Upon graduation I will attend medical school and obtain a Masters of Public Health in addition to my Medical Degree. I want to practice international public health. I also brew my own beer. My favorite thus far was the high gravity oatmeal stout. Mmm... good.

Megan Cole
Sanderville, GA
I am a first year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. Before coming to medical school, I attended the University of Georgia, where I received a BS in Bioengineering in 2006. At the beginning of my senior year of undergraduate, I joined the UGA Triathlon Club, where I first met many of the members of Team Believe. Since then I have had the privilege of building lasting friendships with many of them and am excited about embarking on this journey with such a great group. I am originally from Tennille, a small town in middle Georgia where I grew up in a very large family. My long term career goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon and integrate my engineering design skills with patient needs.

Michael Berke
I am the proud son of my parents, Charlie and Sheri Berke. I’m from Roswell, Georgia and attended Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia. Currently, I am a student at the University of Georgia, pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, and will have completed my freshman year of college with the start of this trip. I am definitely a sports enthusiast. With my free time I love to run, bike, and swim, as well as play soccer and hockey, and to relax I like to listen to music, play my guitar, and hang out with my amazing friends. My favorite meals include carbo-loading with pasta and bread until I can’t take one more bite, gulping down delicious, flavorful energy gels, and constantly sipping on water and sports drinks. Inevitably, this journey will be filled with impossibilities; However, remembering how cancer took both my grandfather’s lives prematurely will be more than enough motivation to continue in times of difficulties. Therefore, I will be participating in this transcontinental ride in memory of both these wonderful men.

Mark Paton-Ash
Finance/Accounting
Marietta, GA
Parents: Gregory and Shelagh Paton-Ash
I enjoy rock climbing, triathlons, music, and I’m learning to play the mandolin. Both climbing shoes and mandolin are coming on the trip. I am doing this trip because my best friend’s mother is fighting cancer and I want to join the fight with her.