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Why Nathan Rides
Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases on Earth. If you are not personally affected by the disease, you undoubtedly know someone who has been changed by it. My mom recently lost her best friend of 35 years, Susan Moll, to uterine cancer that spread to her brain. My aunt, Grace Francis, died last year from a progressive breast cancer that spread to her brain. It was extremely painful for my family to lose these close friends, and I was amazed at how people rallied together in support of one another during the tough times. I was touched by their personal resolve and strength when faced with such difficult obstacles, and I hope to inspire all those who still battle the disease across the country this summer. I truly believe that we can bring hope to those who suffer from cancer, as well as their friends, family and fellow supporters. We all share the common goal of one day eliminating cancer entirely.
I dedicate my ride not only to Susan Moll and aunt Grace, but also to the million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. I want to help the fight to find a cure for these people. In order to discover a cure for cancer, research programs need to be improved and better funded. For this reason, we are aiming to raise money for cancer research. It is our duty as a great nation to use our resources to fight back against cancer. Already, new and better drugs to combat cancer are becoming readily available every year. Survival rates of most types of cancer are on the rise. There is still progress to be made, however. Cancer is not just a medical issue; it is a social, psychological and economic one as well. Grassroots campaigns such as ours need to only augment the funds already dedicated to research programs by the government and other agencies. Additionally, multi-disciplinary approaches to cancer research should be encouraged. I believe that with better resources cancer can be cured through the dedication of the hard-working scientists around the world who strive to end this terrible affliction on mankind, and I am proud to be part of the cause.
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