"Am I going to be in pain? Absolutely. Is it going to be hard? Of course. Am I nervous? More than I would like to admit. But will it be worth it? 100% yes."
Those were the words of FSU junior Graham Carlson when asked what he hopes to gain from his upcoming cross country relay.
For Biochemistry/Spanish major Graham Carlson running and medicine have always been his biggest passions. So, naturally when he saw an opportunity for the two to converge he jumped at the chance. After coming across an ad on Instagram for an event called 4K for Cancer Graham immediately called his parents to tell them about this "crazy, ridiculous thing" he found.
Here is what he told them.
The run consists of a total of 4000+ miles and is by the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Due to its relay style each person runs about 500 miles along a certain route. Graham is apart of team Baltimore meaning his route will run all the way from San Francisco to Baltimore in a little under two months.
His participation won't just be physical though. Each runner will raise a minimum of $4,500 in donations for the cancer fund. Also, along with his team Graham will visit local communities and hospitals to get a better understanding of how to help fight cancer with support as well as deliver two scholarships to young adults affected by cancer and numerous chemo care packages to people all across the country.
Although he has never been personally affected by cancer Graham has had many friends and family who have battled the disease, but ultimately they kept him "somewhat sheltered" from their treatment. While Graham is extremely grateful for being shielded from their suffering he thinks it's time to "get up and educate" himself about the process and offer his support in any way he can.
To prepare for his journey Graham has been following a specialized training plan designed by 4K for Cancer. The plan will prepare runners to run 10-12 miles a day through mountains and deserts in the middle of the summer. Graham notes that he is also preparing himself mentally as he will see many people fighting for their lives along his journey. Nevertheless, he is also preparing to meet numerous inspirational people and hear their stories of triumph.
Aside from simply enjoying the running and medicine aspect of this relay Graham says he will also take what he learns from this run and use it throughout his career as a medical professional and throughout the relationships in his life to work towards being the person he wants to become.
For anyone who, like Graham, wants to participate in this amazing opportunity you can apply and learn more about the run at www.4kforcancer.org or if you simply want to help out by donating you can do so at Graham's personal fundraising page or at the inital website.
