AICR
Ending cancer through awareness and research is a passion for 18-year old Sabrina Simpson. Unlike most young teenagers instead of watching tv, she trains for a new physical challenge to raise funds for the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Since 2011, Sabrina began her fundraising efforts after the loss of loved ones to cancer participating in endurance sports events. “Cancer is a fatal disease that has affected so many people in my life. I have lost my grandfather, my Granduncle Bill and my Aunt Lydia to cancer. I now have friends, both young and old, who are fighting this sickness. This is why I am so passionate about raising money for research.” Her passion for fundraising emits brightly through any hurdle she faces.
After completing two triathlons and successfully meeting her personal running goal, Sabrina and her family moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “I still wanted to continue raising money. We all know someone’s life whose has been affected by this horrible disease.” Sabrina expanded her fundraising by adding a new physical challenge – mountain climbing.
In March 2013 Sabrina reached the top of the Kota Kinabalu Mountain which stands at 13,435 feet above sea level. “The first day we climbed 8 km to a hut where we spent the evening. The next day (around 2am), we set off to climb 2 km to the summit.” After completing this challenge, she traveled to New Zealand to hike the Fox Glacier. Measuring at 13km and known as the longest glacier in New Zealand, Sabrina took on the challenge with no hesitation.
This year has been a new journey for Sabrina. She recently completed her freshman year at Boston University and college life hasn’t distracted her from continuing on with her fight against cancer. On June 24th, Sabrina started a new challenge – to hike and backpack through the Great Smokey Mountains Traverse, a 72-mile stretch on the Appalachian Trail. Prior to the trip, she said “For six days and five nights, I will be carrying my belongings solely on my back. My waist-length hair will be in dreadlocks by the end of this trip!” The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world. It measures roughly 2,180 miles in length, and goes through 14 states from the southernmost point of Georgia, to the northernmost part of Maine.
To stay updated with Sabrina’s journey and help her reach her fundraising goal, visit her fundraising page.
