Texas4000 represents a start to a new beginning for me. I not only get the chance to give back to MD Anderson for saving my life but I also will finally be able to mentally and physically shut the door on my cancer. Doctors always say that a patient is officially cancer free when they hit the 5 year mark, but I believe I will at last be cancer free when I cross the finish line in Anchorage, Alaska. Texas4000 is giving me back my life that I left behind before chemotherapy treatments depersonalized me. It has empowered me to share my story and help others who are struggling wake up in the morning and realize it’s a new day. For every person battling cancer, there is someone out there to lift their spirits and show them that they can concur anything as long as they have hope. If I can touch just one person’s life then it will have all been worth it. Although I lost my mentor in life, I know my step dad will be riding along in spirit and will encourage me to make it up those hills just as he use to count down the days of each of my treatments. I ride for all of those who can’t.