Kenneth (Kenny) Britton and Kirk Marks are sophomores at Chesapeake College. In the summer of 2014 they will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70 day, 4000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Diego. Each student is expected to raise $5000 towards the Cancer fund prior to their departure.
The 4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults and their loved ones affected by cancer. Since 2001 groups of college students have undertaken journeys across America with the goal of offering hope, inspiration and support to cancer communities along the way. In 2013, 127 4K for Cancer participants traveled across America and were able to raise nearly $775,000 to support young adults affected by cancer. 2014 will represent the 13th year the 4K will travel across the country and bring new and exciting opportunities to the program.
The 4K Team of approximately 30 riders, kicked off their fundraising efforts on Friday, January 17th at an event at the headquarters for the 4K for Cancer in Baltimore. The students will depart in June from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, ride across America traveling first south through Virginia and the Carolinas before heading west through states such as Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Along the way students will board in hospitals, churches, educational facilities and other locations donated by generous hosts before ending their journey on August 9th in Mission Beach Park in San Diego, California.
Kenny and Kirk were selected among the applicants following an extensive essay and interview process where they demonstrated a passion for biking and a desire to assist in the fight against Cancer.
After witnessing his mom being diagnosed with and beating cervical cancer, his grandfather’s fight against throat, mouth and prostate cancer and also witnessing many family members lose the fight against lung cancer; Kenny decided to join the fight against all cancers. Kenny says, “Cancer is a huge killer and I cannot name a family that has not lost a member to it. Cancer awareness is on the rise and it helps to know people want a cure and see the need for a cure. This is something I can do, involved in the scientific research of cancer or not, that the cancer community can benefit from.”
Kirk also witnessed both of his grandmother’s lose the battle against cancer and decided to join the crusade..” Kirk says, “I can think of no better way to spend seventy days and four-thousand miles of 2014, than riding for a cause.”
Kenny and Kirk have been best friends since early childhood and developed a passion for biking in their early teens while trick biking. Today their passion has evolved into long distance rides. In preparation for their upcoming ride they will be taking many spin classes at Island Athletic Club and embark on moderate training rides from Kent Island to Ocean City, accompanied by many of their perspective teammates.
“I’m riding 4000 miles this summer to honor the one’s who spend everyday fighting for the lives they dream of, and to push my limits of adventure in an extraordinary way” – Kenny Britton
“I am embarking on this cross-country journey to inspire others, instill hope and satisfy my quest for adventure and a cure.” -Kirk Marks
4K for Cancer is an exceptional organization full of amazing individuals who are giving their all so that the one’s fighting this relentless disease know the fight is worth THEIR all. Donate today to Kenny and Kirk for their travels and efforts towards discovering a cure!
To donate and view Kenny and Kirk’s essays and profiles online go to www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/kirk-marks/ and www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/kenneth-britton/.
To donate by check, send to:
4K for Cancer
921 East Fort Ave
Suite 325
Baltimore MD, 21230
(Be sure to include in the memo line who’s name you’re donating to.)
Both Kenny and Kirk would like to thank supporters in advance and say. “Thank you from both of us. We are very much appreciative of this opportunity you have given us!”