Our Mission

The 4K for Cancer is a national non-profit organization dedicated to uniting communities across the country in the fight against cancer by spreading awareness, raising funds, and fostering hope. 

Spreading Awareness

Knowledge is one of our most powerful tools and we have seen lives saved by early detection. The 4K focuses on spreading awareness in two areas:

  • High risk neighborhoods in Baltimore

In conjunction with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, we organize and fund an awareness campaign for high risk Baltimore neighborhoods to teach the importance of early detection and healthy living. Our riders volunteer with the Sidney Kimmel WellMobiles, vans that drive across Baltimore offering free cancer screenings and information.

  • High risk communities across the country

During the Baltimore to San Francisco ride, our riders deliver  nightly presentations sharing both tips for early detection and stories of hope against cancer.

Raising Funds

Each of our riders raise at least $4500 to participate in the 4K for Cancer. By utilizing corporate sponsorships to offset our costs, our goal is to distribute 100% of these donations to organizations dedicated to fighting cancer. We fund organizations that align with our mission and have a history of demonstrated results. For example, we donate a significant portion of our funds to the Baltimore Hope Lodge, a home-like residence for cancer patients while they undergo treatment. Our support has provided vital funds for the organizations making the largest impact in the fight against cancer.

Fostering Hope

Throughout our two month journey, we speak with thousands of people across the country, most of whom have been touched by cancer. For our riders, the most memorable moments from the trek come from hearing their stories of hope and trials of hardship. In addition to these one-on-one exchanges, we actively work to foster hope in the following ways:

  • Volunteering at Hope Lodges in Baltimore/Washington, DC area

Our riders volunteer monthly at Hope Lodge facilities, the home-like residence for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Firsthand experience of the battles these people fight everyday often provides the motivation needed to endure the physical challenge of cycling cross-country.

  • Community service across the country

During our summer trek, we organize day-long service events in many of the communities we visit, giving back to those that support us. We often couple this service with monetary donations to support local cancer organizations.

  • Inspiring young people to engage in their communities

Planning a two-month trek, collecting donations from friends and familly, and volunteering throughout the year are only the first steps in what is often a life-changing experience for our riders. The physical and mental challenge of cycling 4,000-miles for a common cause inspires them to make lasting contributions to their communities. Our alumni continue this engagement  long after the 4K, and 80% are still actively involved in non-profits.

 

Become Involved

The 4K seeks to make a long-term impact by inspiring young people to become engaged in their communities in the fight against cancer. 

There are many ways in which you can become involved and help make a change:

  • Donate to the 4K
  • Ride the 4K in 2011
  • Become a Ride Host
  • Become a 4K Sponsor
  • Volunteer