I was born in Baton Rouge, La. At an early age, my family and I moved to Lake Charles. During this time I became very active in boy scouts and as a result participated in backpacking trips, I also spent several summers as a lifeguard at a local camp. I am a senior at McNeese State University majoring in accounting.

Witnessing a number of people in my family and church pass away from cancer, I understood the suffering and pain that accompany it. This trip seemed like a great adventure with the chance of helping people at the same time. Recently my father was diagnosed with cancer. This has brought the affects of cancer even closer to home and has given me more of a drive to participate.