About Me

Profile

About:

Thank you for your support! I had a life changing experience this summer, but the fight against cancer is not over. Keep supporting next years riders and read their stories. Send me an email :)

I was born in Houston, Texas to Luis and Gertrudes Abrantes. I am the oldest of three and my sister is my best friend. My family is multi-cultural and this aspect has been prevalent my entire life. My mother is Filipino and my father is Brazilian/Portuguese. I was lucky enough to receive two of my parent’s best traits; my dad’s easygoing personality and passion and my mother’s work ethic. I have been lucky to travel and experience so much in my life. This past summer I went to Portugal and volunteered with Casa Sol, which is a Portuguese organization that assists children diagnosed with AIDS/HIV. It was an eye opening experience and gave me insight on how I have the ability to help others.

I currently reside in Austin and absolutely love it!! When I first moved here I wanted to take full advantage of Austin events would look forward to the new issue of the Austin Chronicle when it came out every Thursday. I love to swim in Barton Springs, go to yoga in the park, and bike ride! I have been involved with a number of organizations and activities on campus so far. I have been a Resident Assistant, Vice President of Residential FIG RHC, Secretary and Recruitment Coordinator of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, and a player of the UT handball team. I am currently an economics major with a minor in Portuguese.

Fast, Fun Facts!
-My roommates and I named our apartment Jermajesty after it was agreed that I would never name any of my children by this name
-I only like to watch food network while I work out
-I am on the University of Texas Handball team and went to the 2009 National Championships.
-My favourite place in Austin is Whole Foods
-I plan to visit 30 countries before I turn 30
- My favourite country I have visited so far is Norway!
-I believe life should be lived with as few regrets as possible

Why I Ride

I ride for my friend and in memory of his mother. Before I came to college, I had never understood the true effects cancer can have on families, friends, and entire lives.
I met my friend my freshman year since he lived in my building. My first thought when I met him was “he is so positive!!” His positivity was infectious! He had huge dreams and ambitions and I enjoyed listening to his aspirations. When he said he wanted to do something, I truly believed him! He wanted a 4.0 this semester? Then he worked and studied hard! Another aspect of him that I found admirable was his love for his mother. I had never encountered a true “momma’s boy” until I met him. When we discussed his mom, his entire face would light up and an enormous smile would immediately spring up. He would tell me about how he and his brother would buy his parents a house after school. His dreams centered around his mother and making her life better. He envisioned buying her a quiet house in the country where she would cook delicious Korean food and his father would breed dogs. I would smile as he told me this on the balcony.
Everything changed after she was diagnosed with cancer. While his family was going through this, I remember thinking “I truly wish there was something I can do.” I talked with him frequently and tried to be supportive but it was so hard. I couldn’t relate. My smiles turned to frowns when he would come to me to talk. His mom’s health deteriorated rapidly and I watched him and his world change. He began to constantly wonder why bad things happened to good people. She had been so healthy! I could never answer him. I simply listened and sympathized.
His mom died on January 28, 2009 at 7 AM.
Sometimes answers don’t come immediately. I went to the Texas 4000 information session on September 16, 2009 and after the presentation I knew from my core that this could be my way of finally helping him.


I ride for a future without cancer.