A Ride to Build a Better World

For most Americans, the thought of biking across town is daunting. Frater Vince Schiano (Nu-Alpha, Niagara Univ.) is aiming a little higher: He plans to ride his bike across the United States.

Frater Schiano, a junior at Niagara University in Niagara County, has been training to complete a 4,000-mile journey that begins in Baltimore and finishes in San Francisco. The ride leaves Baltimore on Memorial Day.

What makes this journey special for Schiano, however, is not the impressive feat of biking across the country. It’s the mission, and struggle, that the ride represents.

Schiano will be riding as part of the 4K for Cancer program that organizes the ride for college-aged students with the objective of providing funds, support and inspiration.

"It's going to help young adults going through cancer, whose lives are basically just starting," said Schiano.

4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and has raised more than $1 million for educational and support-based services since it was founded in 2002.

Like many Americans, Schiano has seen loved ones struggle with cancer. Both of his grandparents died from lung cancer, and his aunt is a breast cancer survivor after a recent battle with the disease.

Witnessing the difficulty of dealing with cancer treatments and the physical and mental tolls of the disease were primary motivators in Schiano’s decision to join with 4K for Cancer.

"It affected him more than we realized," said his mother, Nettie Schiano of Gates.

While his family history with cancer helped inspire Schiano to take part in the 4K for Cancer, it was a finisher from last year’s event that brought it to his attention. Schiano met Frater Abo Raum (Upsilon-Theta, Univ. of Maryland-Baltimore County, who completed a ride from Baltimore to Seattle and met with Schiano during a rest day of the ride at Niagara Falls. Schiano and Raum remained in touch.

"(Schiano) is enthusiastic,” said Raum. “He’s not only going to complete the ride, but be an asset."

The Offices of the Grand Chapter wish Frater Schiano a safe journey and applaud his efforts to build a better world. It is men like him and Frater Abo who make an incredible difference for a special cause.

Adapted from an article on democratandchronicle.com.

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