About Me

Profile

About: I was born in the heart of Vietnam: Saigon, the capital and largest city in the country. My family was fortunate enough to immigrate to America when I was two years old. My childhood was planted in the great plains of Kansas, and my adolescence was urbanized in Houston, Texas. While growing up, I’ve really learned to appreciate and understand my origin and the lifestyle of my culture, both of which I continue to embrace today. The opportunities I’ve been given as a young adult have steered me to recognize the value of a supportive family, loyal friends, and welcoming strangers. Overall, I can say that I have been truly blessed to have happiness shape my life thus far.

As a senior pre-medical student at the University of Texas at Austin, there are many things I enjoy doing with my time besides trying to understand the foreign language of organic chemistry. I’m always up for a solid 90’s jam session on a road trip. In the fall, I live for cheering at UT football games and praying that the Houston Texans make playoffs. I plan to jump off every cliff, swim every waterhole, and hike every trail that Austin has to offer. Inhaling high caloric dense desserts that put me in sugar comas will never be regretted.... neither will eating Whataburger’s honey butter chicken biscuit at two in the morning. My dream of someday being a competitor on the show Amazing Race comes a close second to becoming a doctor. If Amazing Race doesn't work out, I think I could settle for just traveling around the world. Everything I ever wanted to know about myself I learned in my very first completion of 26.2 miles. And going too far in every funny situation, giving the punch line away too soon of every joke, and being the very awkward turtle in a not so awkward moment will always be my special quirks.

Why I Ride

My uncle Leon Cocozzoli was an American soldier in the Vietnam War. As medical relief, he aided villagers that were injured in combat and provided medical attention to women and children. While serving in Vietnam, he met my aunt and married her soon after. Following his term, he sponsored my family to America. All the opportunities I have been given in life are owed to him.

As every hero has his or her own kryptonite, my uncle’s kryptonite was cancer. My uncle passed away from lung cancer on February 28th, 2012. Through his heroism and selfless actions, he illustrated what life is truly about; it’s not about what one can take from life but what one can offer to life. He ignited my passion to continue his work: to give hope, heal, and help those who can’t help themselves. His final words, support, and unconditional love have taught me to live a life filled with philanthropy and hope. Despite the fact that my uncle lost the battle to cancer, his fight—on and off the battlefield—motivates me to be a daily hero. February 28th, 2012. I ride for him.

My grandpa suffered from prostate cancer for three years. His suffering ended on January 7th, 2014. He was a man who has devoted his life to God and his family. His spirit lives within the lives of those he touched, within the children he dedicated his life to, and within the grandchildren he gave so much love to. I am honored to carry his spirit along with me through this journey.

I ride for my grandma, a hardworking woman who devoted her life to raising her 10 children. She passed away from lung cancer on May 30, 1994. I ride to carry her spirit and love.

I ride to show appreciation to the people in my life who have taught me how to love. I ride to love deeper. I ride to give thanks to those who have inspired me to strive to be a better person everyday. I ride because I have faith that what we are doing will empower others to join our fight.