Our History
The 4K for Cancer Inc. originally began as the Hopkins 4K for Cancer in the fall of 2001 when a group of undergraduate students at the Johns Hopkins University decided to combine their desire to fight against cancer with their dream of cycling across the country. This inaugural 4,000-mile journey from Baltimore to San Francisco was inspired by the memory of the late John Hanley, father of founder Ryan Hanley, who died in 1995 from cancer. The founding team included Ryan Hanley, Jenn Hardy, Leah Blom, Kelly Hewitt and Brent Bass.
After seven successful years riding under the Johns Hopkins umbrella, the 4K became a standalone non-profit organization, the 4K for Cancer, in 2008.
The 4K for Cancer has been recognized with several awards. The 4K for Cancer was named “Special Event of the Year” by The American Cancer Society and was presented with the first ever Pioneer Award, an honor specially created for our “innovative, creative, and trailblazing efforts in the fight against cancer." Additionally, the 4K received the “Outstanding Youths in Philanthropy Award” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals as well as the Excalibur Award from the ACS for exceptional dedication to the fight against cancer.
