I am currently a sophomore in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department and an Eagle Scout. When I was in third grade, I joined the Cub Scouts and immediately grew fond of the program. Once I crossed over into Boy Scouts, I became a regular camper, and occasionally took part in other outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing. My participation in the BSA C.O.P.E (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) program made me realize that challenging myself and embracing the outdoors would be something I would always love. I believe in helping others before myself, and thats partly why I chose to join Texas 4000. When I saw the flyer for TEXAS 4000, I knew immediately that I would be participating. I knew it would be the experience of a lifetime riding to Alaska. I knew I would be making a huge difference in so many people's lives.

Both of my grandfathers passed away to prostate cancer. Two close friends to my family were diagnosed with breast cancer and leukaemia but not before baffling their doctors with their long lives under such terrible circumstances. Unfortunately, the disease won over them and they have passed on. My paternal grandfather loved to live life, and you would never seen him without a smile on his face. He had an immense amount of courage, confidence, and most of all, hope of a kind I have never seen before. My participation in Texas 4000 is so that I can help in spreading that hope for a cure and cause the strength in cancer victims around the nation to rise and overpower their disease. It is this immortal strength that causes people to live longer and it is with this immortal strength combined with hope, courage, and willpower that people will continue to live their lives with happiness. Without it, research cannot be performed, cures will not be found, and most importantly, the people who are suffering the most will have no inspiration to keep on living and showing cancer who's the boss.