I'm 21 years old and was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My mother, Mari, has an incredibly strong will and a passion for cycling, and my father, Craig, is a talented artist and devoted outdoorsman. My little sister, Claire, is 5 years younger than me, and taught me responsibility and leadership. I think my family is psychic and created the perfect climate for a person destined to be part of the Texas 4000. I have a big, awesome extended family who is really supportive and excited about what we are doing. I love you guys so much!

I'm now in my fourth year at UT, working on my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design. Not fashion or interior design. Graphic design, product/industrial design, print, web, typography and architecture. I have no specific idea where I will go with this, but I know that I'd love to do work for charitable organizations and people trying to make the world a better place. It's already been an awesome, rewarding experience designing the 2009 uniform!

When I'm not in the studio I like to cook, spend time with friends, go home and visit my family and 5 poodles, and of course, ride my bike. I'm addicted to guacamole, and as of 5/8, have donated my hair to Locks of Love 3 times! I am a sunscreen fanatic and vow to pester my teammates to wear sunscreen every day.

Cancer is massive and has an impact on every one of us. My grandma Marie was a breast cancer survivor. Her best friend, Bobbi, who was practically a grandma to me too, passed away from breast cancer. My dad's best friend, Duff, passed away from melanoma. My mom’s longtime best friend, Betty, was diagnosed with a tumor the size of a lemon in her brain over 10 years ago, and beat it after they gave her a sentence of only a few months. Our family friend, Gabby, was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma in her lungs, and was given 3-6 months to live, but she fought hard for 27 months. Our family doctor, Richard (who actually brought my sister and I into the world) underwent treatment for kidney cancer that was detected early, but is now battling pancreatic cancer. My high school English teacher and mentor, Mindy (34! I don't know why I say 37 in my video!), was recently diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma and is undergoing treatment at MD Anderson. Susan Wood, my elementary school principal and long time family friend, was just diagnosed with a tumor on her right ovary and is beginning treatment. My list can go on and on and on, and for that reason I feel an urgent, personal need to take initiative. I will donate my voice, time, heart, mind, and body to help erase cancer because I believe a cure is out there, and I believe that the hurt it inflicts on the people we love has the ability to be eliminated if we work together.

I have a huge amount of faith in Texas 4000. It is such an inspirational organization, filled with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. I am completely humbled and honored to be riding with year's team.

Right now I am riding for Mindy, Richard, and Susan as they are all fighting. When I "hit the wall" and I get dropped from the pace line and my legs are burning, I think about them and I think about the people I love that cancer has taken, and I keep on going. Their immense strength gives me strength, and the hope that an end to cancer might be just a few thousand miles away keeps Texas 4000 pedaling on.