At 7:30 p.m. on April 2nd at the Independent Media Center (202 S. Broadway, Urbana) the Illini 4000 is hosting a reception for the opening of a Portraits Project exhibit. This exhibit will include photographs and narratives of Americans from all walks of life whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
Portraits Project Director Gabrielle Fairbairn stated, “For those who attend this event, they can expect to learn more about how cancer influences the American lifestyle, obtain informational facts about how to prevent cancer, and learn more about our organization. This event is free to the public as a community awareness event. By sharing the Portraits Project with members of the Champaign-Urbana community, we hope to better educate our community about this disease and to spread more awareness for the fight against cancer.”
Fairbairn continued, “This project is a collection of narratives, also known as Portraits, that demonstrate how Americans respond to cancer based on their unique life experiences and individual beliefs. From the retired teacher in Washington D.C., to the young dancer in Portland, the Portraits Project documents the battle against cancer that Americans fight each day. The purpose of this project is to spread information and to encourage more people to become involved in the fight against cancer.”
Each of the portraits were taken by a member of the Illini 4000 group. “Every year, the Illini 4000 raises funds for cancer research and patient services,” Fairbairn said. “Along with fundraising, members of the Illini 4000 Bike America team ride their bikes across the country to spread awareness and to discover cancer’s impact on the American lifestyle. The Portraits Project is a trademark of the Illini 4000 and makes our organization’s cancer charity ride the most unique in the nation.”
If you’re looking for a rewarding way to spend your Saturday evening, this exhibit should be a fantastic event.