Nick Suarez ’17 and Amanda Steinman ’17 returned home in early August after biking nearly 4,000 miles to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.
Suarez and Steinman were among the two-dozen cyclists participating in Bike the U.S. for MS, a nonprofit that organizes several cross-country bike trips to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis research. Suarez said they were motivated to participate in the ride because they wanted to be part of a bigger effort to make an impact. “There was a common saying along our journey, ‘bike for those who may not be able to,’” he said. “MS is a terrible infectious disease that affects millions across the world, but sadly it doesn’t get much attention when it comes to health awareness programs.
“Bike the U.S. for MS offered us the opportunity to be a catalyst for awareness in our own Elon community and all of the community’s we passed through along our journey.”
Their journey began on June 1 in Yorktown, Virginia, and concluded Aug. 1 in San Francisco. After two months, they biked nearly 4,000 miles and raised more than $8,000 for MS research—$1 for every mile they biked. Collectively, their group raised more than $100,000 to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
On a more personal level, Steinman said the experience taught them they are mentally and physically capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. “Whether it is overcoming the elevation of the Appalachian or Rocky Mountains, the winds of Kansas or the lonely roads of Nevada’s desert—anything is possible.”
A strategic communications major, Steinman is actively seeking a communications position in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston areas, while Suarez recently joined Booz Allen Hamilton as a management consultant in D.C.