Cycling for a Cause

When Whitney Kim's mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer, Kim, A&S '16, moved back home to help with caregiving. "Thankfully, we made it through the season of cancer together," she says. Her mother recovered, and the experience gave Kim a new perspective on life: "I realized that life is short and nothing is guaranteed."

Movement has long been part of Kim's life. In high school, she played tennis; in college, rugby. An avid runner, she has completed several marathons. After moving back home, Kim sought a new endurance challenge, so she began training for her first Ironman 70.3, which got her hooked on cycling. She began watching YouTube videos of long-distance bike tours. "There was one in particular that left quite an impression," Kim recalls. "An Asian woman shared her journey cycling the East Coast by herself. Seeing someone who looked like me, I saw that it was possible to do this big thing on my own." Inspired, Kim decided that she would cycle the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile trail stretching from Maine to Florida, on her own.

During her challenge, Kim raised funds for the nonprofit Joyya, which connects impoverished people in India to necessary services, including health care, legal clinics, and job training. The money raised also provides funding for children's activities, like summer camps and community celebrations. On her fundraising website, Kim says she wants to raise money to "ensure that kids can simply be kids" and enjoy play and movement the way she did while growing up.

Her 3,000-mile journey took her from the dark green forests of Maine to the sea-green waters of Key West, cycling through small towns, big cities, and wilderness. On her long ride, Kim needed safe and affordable places to stay. She found the app Warmshowers to match her with other hosts. "Everyone was so hospitable," she says. Kim enjoyed being welcomed by a mix of Warmshowers hosts and old friends from Johns Hopkins, including Yunfan Fan, A&S '16, in Boston; Ellie Hong, A&S '15, in Jersey City; and Jimena Castellenos, A&S '16, in Richmond, Virginia. Kim was struck by the warmth she met on the road and by the outpouring of support she received from her community. Her fundraising efforts raised over $26,000 for Joyya.

Kim is home now and looking forward to settling back into the rhythm of life. "I'm just so grateful for this experience," she says.