About Me

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To quote Helen Keller, “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” These are the words I choose to live my life by. I’m not one to sit on the sidelines or blend in with a crowd. Who am I? I’m Jenna Crutsinger, a product of small town living where one is likely to encounter more cows than people.

When I left Teague, I exchanged a star filled sky for Austin city lights. I am currently a sophomore at UT in pursuit of a nursing degree. My career choice will afford me the opportunity to help others. Nursing is my true calling and ultimately where my satisfaction lies. I want to be the human touch in a world immersed in technology and offer comfort to families in unpredictable situations. This is my life purpose and I will not stop short of my goals.

I have been asked if I were a hat, what kind would I be and on whose head would I sit? That’s easy! I would be a straw cowboy hat on Johnny Cash’s head. I am in love with The Man in Black. Johnny has served as a role model for the way I choose to live my life. Somewhat of a rebel but still connected to God.

Laurence Sterne said, “A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything.” In only 19 years of living, I have held a live shark, swam with wild stingrays in Grand Cayman, won a pie-eating contest, and wrestled a man for a foul ball at a Ranger’s game. The best part was victoriously holding it up in front of 42,000 fans. I know no limits and have defied all boundaries. Freshly 18 years old, I jumped from a perfectly good airplane flying 10,000 feet above ground. Tell me I can’t do something, and I will prove you wrong!

Texas 4000 has provided me with a cause that has engulfed both my heart and mind. I look forward to fighting cancer by pedalling across the expanse of North America. Thus far, I have lived a great life. Now I intend to help others by giving them a chance to live theirs.

Why I Ride

During the Vietnam War, the United States military sprayed about 19.5 million gallons of Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides in an attempt to clear vegetation that may have hidden enemy troops. About 2.4 million US soldiers served in that war. Sadly, many of these soldiers and their families faced serious health problems due to their contact with Agent Orange. My grandpa was one of these soldiers. Growing up without a father close by, he became the man I admired and loved. For nearly thirty years post war, the man that taught me to fish and drive a tractor was a carrier of cancer.

The last day I spent with him, he was weak but hopeful. Cancer had stripped him of all his strength but it could not penetrate the love radiating from his blue eyes. Later that night, while asleep at his side, grandpa died. I was only ten years old when he up and left. I never thought that I'd have to say goodbye and still to this day I wonder how different life would be if he were living.

It is said that the reason the Indian rain dance worked was because the Indian’s wouldn’t quit dancing til it rained. Cancer is a disease that affects us all. It does not discriminate upon gender, race, or ethnicity. Let us stand as one and mimic the Indian’s perseverance and endurance by refusing to stop pedalling til a cure is discovered!

I proudly participate in loving memory of my courageous Grandpa, James Thomas David [1942-1999].