On November 22, 2008, a dear family friend, Gabriela "Gabby" Maria Karam Nowlen, born December 8, 1971, in San Antonio, lost her 27 month battle with cancer. Gabby was 36 years old and had a birthday coming up in just a few days. She is survived by husband, Mark; children Alexandra Marie - 17, Mark Anthony - 8, and Aiden Michael - 4; parents, Dr. Jose and Cruz Adriana Karam; sister, Laura Karam Nelson; her brothers, Jose Karam and Marco Karam; nieces, Adriana and Julieta Nelson, MacKenzie Rylee and Sofia Annaliese Beggs.

Despite stage 4 diagnosis and 6 months to live, Gabby fought as hard as she could and always believed she would beat the disease. Her will to live and her perseverance, her faith in God, and her deep love for her family and friends extended her life beyond all expectation. Gabby was the baby of the family, and although this is something I know I can't personally understand yet, the loss a parent feels when losing a child is the most devastating thing a parent can ever endure. Her family is made up of some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Their extended family doesn't just include relatives - friends are family too. When Gabby was diagnosed, they all put their lives on hold to take care of her. They are all extremely close, and I know that their love and support gave Gabby even more strength. Holidays are a really special thing to the Karams and Nowlens - birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas - Gabby always looked forward to spending those days with her family and friends, and fought as hard as she could to be there. Gabby will be greatly missed this Thanksgiving, Christmas, and always.

The Karam/Nowlen family supports Texas 4000's cause because without the current advancements in cancer treatment and Gabby's undying hope, they would not have had the miracle of 27 extra, precious months with Gabby. I dedicate my ride to honor Gabby's strength and her belief that cancer can be beaten. I dedicate my ride to the Karam/Nowlen family for their patience, love, support, and faith. Their generosity and tenacious sense of charity in such difficult times is inspiring, and will make me pedal harder every day. It is my wish that Texas 4000 can continue spreading hope to those who have lost, and love to those who are hurting.

I would like to add a special thanks to Laura Karam Nelson for helping me write this blog for her little sister. Laura has been a good friend to our family for many years. I still remember when I was a sophomore in high school, and Laura and I sat on the back porch chatting in Spanish to prepare me for the verbal portion of my final exam in Spanish class. I was probably very bad and she was so patient with me. We love you, Laura!

Thank you to these friends and family who have donated in Gabby's memory (I will keep these updated for Gabby's family as I receive notification):

Heliodoro and Maria Luisa Boone

Mariza Boone

Daniel and Diana Dupre

Cynthia Gamboa

Francisco Garcia

Earnest and Betty Hanslip

Christina Littrell

Valerie Logsdon

Jessica Mansour

Sandra Navarro

Gary and Devra Nowlen

Kenneth and Laura Proctor

Dr. Ricardo and Beatrice Riojas

San Antonio Pediatric Associates

San Antonio Physical Therapy

Thelma Scoggins

Joyce Tisdall

Pat Tisdall and Bob Bauman

WGL & Associates