Bangalore boys 71 day cross country ride to raise awareness about cancer

BENGALURU: A cancer diagnosis is a nightmare that affects everyone directly and indirectly, said Shubham Bhutra, a Bangalorean now doing his graduation in Actuarial Science at the University of Illinois. While Bhutra may not have been affected by Cancer directly, he knows about the gruesome journey that begins at the end of a cancer diagnosis, having seen a friend lose his mother to Cancer.

In an effort to make his contribution, Bhutra is venturing out to do something that he believes no Indian has done in America- cycling 4,600 miles over 71 days to raise funds for cancer.

Bhutra will be riding from New York city to San Francisco as part of 19 other youngsters participating in the Illini 4000 2016 Trek Bike, as part of the America team.

Illini 4000 is raising funds for cancer research and patient support services and spreaing awareness through the annual cross country bike rides across the country.

The team of 20-25 riders is short listed following an interview, after which the team is required to go through rigorous training for 9 months. The team raises about $100,000 to 15,000 every event.

"I am proud of the opportunity to do this. Cancer affects everybody, regardless of the outcome. It is a nightmare. To be able to give voice to the community affected by Cancer is something I look forward to,” Bhutra said.

Bhutra is also hoping that his endeavor will be noticed in his home city- Bangalore.

A former student of St Joseph High School, Bhutra said, “I think Cancer is a growing issue that needs to be addressed. The younger generation can do a lot to ensure that there is more awareness about issues, especially through events like this,” he said.

The race begins on 28 May from New York city. The organization has already raised $66,000 according to its website.