Anisha Galla
Hometown: Palatine, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOGRAPHY
Hi, I hope this page finds you well! My name is Anisha Galla and I am currently a Junior at the University of Illinois, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. After graduating, I plan to attend medical school and continue on the path of becoming a physician. In my free time, I enjoy running, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of Illini 4000 and am glad that I can make an impact in the fight against cancer.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I first heard about I4K on Quad day during my freshman year and remember leaving the booth feeling confused as to why students chose to bike over 4000 miles in the hot summer weather. At the time, the idea was quite ridiculous to me. Fast forward two years and here I am, an official member of the 2019 Bike America Team. Though the cross-country ride would certainly be difficult at times, I believe this challenge will be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Unfortunately, in many instances, cancer has affected both my friends and their family members. I am extremely thankful to say that cancer had never been a part of my family until very recently. Earlier this year, I lost my beautiful grandmother to cancer and that is my primary reason for embarking on this ambitious adventure. When I told my parents that I wanted to bike from New York City to San Francisco, they were taken aback to say the least, since I am by no means a professional biker. I could sense that they knew that I wanted to fight for my grandmother’s memory and they were supportive of my decision, as they always have been. I am looking forward to being a part of a team that not only spreads awareness about cancer, but also raises funds for cancer research and patient support services.