Howdy:

My name is Alex Ratzel, and I am an advertising graduate student at The University of Texas. I decided to come to UT in 2001 to follow my father's footsteps (he got a degree back in the day) and be in the live music scene. I love to run, hike, swim, and play guitar. Someday I hope to put an alternative band together.

Cancer is something that has plagued my family for many years. I never got to meet three of my grandparents because of the deadly disease. My remaining grandmother had breast cancer. My father fought cancer a decade ago. Everyone in my family lives in fear that we will someday be a victim of cancer.

I want to help other families that are suffering because one or more loved ones have cancer.I want to give love and hope. I want to comfort people who are suffering. I want to help fight this disease. Texas 4000 is a great opportunity for me to get closer to the grandparents I never met.