Profile

About: I may be a Texan, but I was born in Alaska (Kodiak, to be exact). I grew up in north Texas, but I'm now in love with Austin and the University of Texas. Last summer I finished my bachelors degrees in Civil Engineering and Plan II Honors and began my graduate career this fall in Exercise Physiology (a.k.a. "professional student"). I love to travel with my boyfriend Hal, and spend the rest of my free time outside either in my Jeep or on the lake (mmm...Ski Shores).

Why I Ride

Although I feel very fortunate to have never lost a family member to cancer, I have had some close calls. Working on an oncology unit, forming long-lasting bonds with patients and their families, and witnessing the struggles that cancer victims endure was enough to motivate me to take up the cause to fight the battle against cancer. This ride is such an excellent way to spread knowledge from one end of the country to another. I haven't been to Alaska in 21 years, I think now is the perfect time to go back... on a bike and on a mission! I would like to dedicate this year's ride to a few friends and family members who have fought cancer: Karen Stanford, Thelma Garza, April Maine, and just recently, Bill Williams. Hang in there.