Kaitlin Block
Hometown: Paris, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Social Work
BIOGRAPHY
Hi! My name is Kaitlin Block and I am a senior studying social work. I am currently in the process of applying to graduate schools to concentrate in school social work/school counseling. I am a proud member of the Stamps Scholar community on campus as well as the Counseling Center Paraprofessional program. In my free time, I attend any and every concert that I possibly can! I am trying to attend every major music festival in America throughout the course of my lifetime. I hope to see the country in its full glory this summer alongside some of my best friends. I'd like to shout out my roommates and my family for always believing in me and supporting me. I'm so thankful that I get to be a part of this adventure!!!!
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am riding for Marla Dewar and Jayce Cunningham. My aunt Marla has been diagnosed with cancer three times: breast cancer, skin cancer, and kidney cancer. She has beat cancer all three times and is an inspiration for me to be a strong woman who takes care of herself physically and mentally. She implores to everyone that: "MAMMOGRAMS SAVE LIVES, SUNSCREEN IS IMPORTANT, and STAYING ON TOP OF YOUR HEALTH IS LIFESAVING." She is a lover of adventures and is a huge encouragement as I take on this challenge of a lifetime! In March of 2018, my friend Jayce passed away after a fight with Leukemia. Jayce had a profound impact on me when we were growing up in junior high and high school. He helped me through a really tough time in my life and was truly a bright spot in this world. He was such a weirdo - so unique and special - and his loss has left a large gap in so many people's hearts. I will be riding because he no longer can, and that is unfair. I hope that my efforts will raise awareness and funds that prevent any other friends or families to have to endure what Jayce's loved ones did.