Tree of Life to host Illini 4000 bike team on cross country cancer ride
On the evening of Sunday, June 14, the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 West Bull Valley Road in McHenry, will host 29 members of the Illini 4000 Bike America Team for an overnight stay.
The riders are on a cross-country ride from New York City to San Francisco on a mission to raise funds for cancer research and patient support, to increase awareness, and document the personal stories of individuals with cancer who they encounter on the trip.
The Illini 4000 was formed in 2006 by University of Illinois students Anish Thakkar and Jonathan Schlesinger, who saw a lack of funding for cancer research. The two organized and participated in the inaugural ride in the summer of 2007, and have completed a ride every summer since. The Illini 4000 has raised more than $650,000 for cancer research and patient support services, and has annually raised more than $100,000 since 2010.
"We are honored to be asked to host the group," said Judy Stettner, who is coordinating the visit for the congregation. "We have several members who have battled or are battling cancer so it is a cause near and dear to us."
It is the second year in a row that the church has hosted the team.
The bicyclists are expected to roll into McHenry sometime after 6 p.m. Sunday. Church volunteers will be on hand to greet them and provide a delicious supper. After a good night's sleep and breakfast the team will be back on the road for the next leg of their journey around 7 a.m. Monday.
The Illini 4000 supports the work of the American Cancer Society and the Illinois chapter of Camp Kesem which serves children with cancer. Tax deductible donations can be sent to the Illini 4000, P.O. Box 2431, Champaign, Illinois 61825.
For information, call the church at (815) 322-2464 or visit treeoflifeuu.org.