Thorpe 'raises an army' to conquer cancer
Date: 3/21/2013
By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.comEAST LONGMEADOW — The words of one friend have inspired Danyellé Thorpe, daughter of Select Board candidate Angela Thorpe, to be an active participant in the fight against cancer.
The East Longmeadow native chose to participate in this summer's 4K for Cancer bike ride from Baltimore, Md., to San Francisco, Calif., thanks to her grandmother's survival as well as that of two friends, one of whom is the voice of her inspiration. "Apparently it takes an army to beat cancer," he said, and from there her cross-country journey was born.
"The 4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund (UCF) for Young Adults. While I'm looking forward to the physical challenge of biking across the country — I've been toying with the idea of doing something like this for several years now — I am most excited to contribute to the eradication of cancer through this experience," Thorpe told
Reminder Publications from her current residence in Washington, D.C., where she works as a teacher and residential advisor at The School for Ethics and Global Leadership.
"The mission of the program is to raise awareness, unite communities, and inspire hope toward the eradication of cancer. I knew this program was right for me when I learned that I would not only be riding across the country, but would also visit cancer patients at various sites and host cancer education programs in the towns where we stop along the way. This ride affords me the opportunity to be a part of countless armies fighting for future cancer survivors," she added.
Thorpe has since raised $1,115 toward her $7,000 goal; however, she is only required to raise $4,500 in order to participate in the ride.
"Donations to UCF will support the fight against cancer in two ways. Part of the donation will support the 'Awareness through Sport' programs, such as the 4K for Cancer, that seek to spread awareness, raise funds, and offer support for the young adult cancer fight," she explained. "Mostly, however, donations will support the UCF as they provide direct patient services such as Patient Navigation and College Scholarships to young adults impacted by cancer.
"I chose to set the goal of $7,000 since the more money I raise, the more support the UCF will be able to provide through patient services and the closer all of us will be for winning the fight against cancer," Thorpe continued.
When asked how she is preparing for the approximately 3,000-mile bike ride, Thorpe replied, "I keep pushing myself until I hit a wall; this is when the real preparation for the trip begins and my physical and mental endurance is strengthened.
"Furthermore, I'm finding that I cannot be a part of an army against cancer without putting in a little fight and pushing through the pain. Once I raise $2,000, the Ulman Cancer fund will provide the bike I will be using for the trip and I can begin simulating the trip's circumstances and bike training," she continued.
To become part of Thorpe's "army to beat cancer" by making a donation, visit
http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/dany-thorpe or send a check made out to "4K for Cancer" with "Dany Thorpe" in the memo line to 4K for Cancer, 921 East Fort Ave., Suite 325, Baltimore, MD 21230.
