Josh Doppelt
Hometown: Highland Park, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology/Psychology
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Josh Doppelt. I am a Junior at U of I studying Biology and Psychology. I am from Highland Park, IL, which is a north suburb of Chicago. I have an incredible family consisting of my younger brother Isaac, my parents Paul and Deborah, and of course our 2 dogs and 2 cats. In addition to my involvement in the Illini 4000 I play a lot of soccer and volunteer at Carle hospital. I am pumped to bike across the country, coast to coast! I know our ride will mean the world to many people. The hope, awareness, and money we raise will go along way towards finding a cure, and I am very excited to be apart of this effort!
PERSONAL STATEMENT
One of my favorite quotes, by Margaret Mead, is, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” With the Illini 4000 I have an incredible opportunity to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. Knowing we are directly helping the thousands of people currently battling cancer keeps me motivated. Cancer affects everybody, either directly or indirectly. I have lost family, family friends, and friends. I have watched three of my friends parents die of cancer, and one of my friends growing up to Leukemia. A disease so prevalent needs to be cured. Nobody should have to bury their children. If people collectively come together and fight this disease, either by donating money or their time, this disease can be cured.