About Me

Profile

About:

Born and raised in Texas, I spent 18 years in the city of Houston before moving to Austin.

Growing up I spent my summers up and down the San Andreas Fault, where my father lives.

My dad taught me to ride a bike by taking off both pedals and pushing me down a hill.

He taught me how to fall and more importantly, how to stand back up.
I have been blessed with a family that has supported me and all of my passions, from running lines with me before a play, pinning the perfect ballet bun for a recital or letting me walk around a grocery store in my Barbie heels and a crown. I have always been encouraged to be my strange self.

This year, in addition to this ride, I will be graduating with a bachelor of science in public relations.

As I begin on this endeavor, I hope for the continued support of family, friends from both the Houston and Austin community in the fight against cancer.

I ride for those who have battled cancer, the enormous amount of strength they give in their fight inspires me and pushes me to pedal that extra mile. I ride for them. I ride for the amazingness of mind over matter.

Why I Ride

Cancer is an epidemic that has to possibility to affect any four-legged creature, adult or child at any age.

This fight is personal.

I ride for my dear great grandmother is a breast cancer survivor has instilled in me the importance of compassion; mother of 13 and grandmother of too many to count- she fills a room with love.

I ride for my step-father, Roger Contreras, is a survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome. After surviving cancer,he founded a nonprofit in Houston called “The Giving Back Group." His example inspired me to take on the Texas 4000 and challenge myself.

I ride for my friends who became family, the Patranellas. I hold my friend Sarah close to my heart, recently her grandmother Patricia Semands was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I also ride for their dear pet, Winston a sweet Boston terrier; veterinarians have recently found a tumor on his spline. I ride for this family, who has supported me, fed me and even boarded me in the past. I ride to fight for them.

I ride for hope. Hope for patients and for families. Hope for a cure for cancer.

I ride because I believe it is my purpose at UT Austin.

I ride because:

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again."
-anonymous