Emily Wilkins: Coast to Coast Rider
When I was picking a medical school, one of the things that appealed most to me about the University of Connecticut was their long-standing Coast to Coast bike trip tradition. When applying to schools I was very nervous that medical school would be overwhelmingly stressful or that there would be no breaks from academics. Thus, the fact that UConn attracted a community of people who were interested in spending their last free summer out on a biking adventure for a good cause was really exciting to me.
This year I feel lucky not only to be leaving on this long-imagined adventure with three of my friends, but also to be particularly invested in the cause that we’re riding on behalf of! Although this is the 11th Coast to Coast trip it is the first year that we are raising money and awareness for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. I have always identified as a “camp person” – I grew up at Camp Hazen, YMCA in Chester, CT and then worked there for many summers. I’ve also planned since fifth grade to become a pediatrician, helping to improve the lives of sick children someday. Raising money for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is, for me, a very fulfilling intersection of those two important pieces of my life. As a place that provides “a different kind of healing” by bringing magic and happiness into the lives of seriously ill children, it is a truly amazing organization and I am so excited to be involved both now and all summer.
Please consider donating to Camp (and remember that all donations get DOUBLED when raised through our fundraiser because of an amazing partnering program!) Thank you for your support!
<3 Emily
Also, a giant thank you and shout out to friends and family members who have helped make our fundraisers thus far a huge success, making our bike ride this summer a possibility! Particular thanks to personal friends who donated on our old fundraising page, including: Virginia Vancil, Don Ricciuti, Madi Boris, Arthur Wilkins, Patty Block & Al Languerand, Beth & Jim Robinson, Tricia & Rick Royston, Tina Garrity, The Uzgiris Family, Hannah Ellman, and Harriet Calkins!
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