Profile

About: I was born in Pasadena, California in May of 1988. Shortly after I was born, my father passed away. During my formative years, I attended elementary school and participated in sports and played the drums in the school band.
When I was ten years old, my mother passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. I then went to live with my Aunt and Uncle. They constantly encouraged me to live life to its fullest and to embrace all the world has to offer. I excelled in academics and did well in sports.
At age eleven, my uncle introduced me to mountain biking and I began to ride my bike at every opportunity. Though I enjoyed mountain biking and all it had to offer, I to stayed focused on my academic pursuits in high school and participated in extracurricular activities. My hard work paid off and I was accepted to the University of Texas’ Engineering Program in 2006.
I am now in my third year at UT, studying Mechanical Engineering, staying active and participating in extracurricular sports and other riding activities as time and circumstance permit. The UT Engineering Program is very demanding, but I am finding within myself a resolve that allows me to embrace and overcome these challenges, leaving me with a feeling of accomplishment.
I am looking forward to the challenges to come in the Texas 4000 for Cancer Ride to Alaska during the summer of 2009. I am hopeful that I will be able to do my part and raise money to support cancer research in my mother’s memory.

Why I Ride

Cancer is a devastating illness that we still do not completely understand. However, we are living in exciting times progress is being made by researchers throughout the world as they strive to create treatments that can halt the progress of, and even cure various forms of cancer.
The cost of conducting cancer research is considerable. Every dollar raised to support research moves us closer to developing strategies and treatments that can save lives and improve the quality of life for those afflicted with this disease.
The fight against cancer takes many forms. For those with the disease, or for those supporting a family member or loved one with cancer, it is a very personal fight. For those that are inspired to support the quest to raise money for cancer research and/or to support those impacted by the disease, the fight differs from person to person. Some do it to aid their fellow man in acts of philanthropy, and still others do it for more personal reasons, such as the loss of a good friend or a loved one. Regardless of the inspiration that drives each of us, the fact remains that without the ongoing support of individuals from many and varied walks of life, the fight to eradicate this terrible and devastating disease would be light-years behind where it is now.
Society clearly understands the value inherent in supporting cancer research in a variety of different ways, from individual donations to government grants for research, to business-sponsorship, and community sponsored programs and events. It is important to continue fighting this beast relentlessly.
The Texas 4000 for Cancer Ride is a powerful way to fight cancer. We raise funds to support research in this battle with the hope of gaining the upper hand, while at the same time reminding the community that the battle rages on. I am extremely proud to have been selected to represent the University of Texas at Austin, and our community in this worthwhile event.