The Portraits Project

The Portraits Project is a collection of narratives that illustrate how Americans respond to cancer. Each story is reflective of their unique life experiences and individual beliefs: from the retired teacher in Washington D.C., to the young dancer in Portland, we believe that everyone has a story to tell.

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Our Mission

The Portraits Project is a national community that gives a voice to the American cancer experience and inspires people to rise together in the fight against cancer. By sharing the stories of people across the United States, the Portraits Project serves as a platform to unite those who have been affected by cancer, provide educational resources, and foster strength in the face of this disease.

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Who

Each Portrait is taken by members of the Illini 4000 for cancer, a student-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every year, the Illini 4000 raises funds for cancer research and patient services. Along with fundraising, members of the Illini 4000 Bike America team ride their bikes across the country to spread awareness and to discover how cancer impacts the lives of ordinary Americans.

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Why

From the retired teacher in Washington, D.C., to the young dancer in Portland, we believe that everyone has a story to tell. The Portraits Project documents the battle against cancer that all Americans face—regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, and religion. Through this project, we spread information about cancer and we encourage more people to become involved in the fight against cancer.

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