Profile

About: I was born and raised in the great city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I lived there for the first 20 years of my life, before transferring to the University of Texas in Austin. I have two amazing parents, an older sister, a younger brother, and a crazed dog named Brody. Growing up, I spent the majority of my life on the soccer field, where I was fortunate enough to win a state championship in high school. When snow fell and I couldn’t be on a soccer field, skiing in Colorado was my activity of choice. I have been fortunate to travel to some pretty amazing places, such as the Serengeti in Tanzaina and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. After 3 amazing years here at the University of Texas, I will be graduating this coming May with a degree in biomedical engineering.

Why I Ride

I ride for Tony Crooks, Julie Blakely, Jean Reynolds, Jo Sturdy, and in memory of my great grandmother Sylvia Adams

Tonye Crooks is the mom of a high school friend, Taylor. The Crooks’ were close family friends with my girlfriend at the time, during which I became better friends with the family. We would often go on vacations together, to places like Durango for skiing trips. Watching Tonye cope with the breast cancer diagnosis was very difficult for me, she was always such a positive person, so outgoing and happy, someone who could always put a smile on your face. Yet even through her diagnosis and cancer battle, she remained positive and was always optimistic. It was very inspirational seeing her remain positive even through the most testing of times. I was so happy to hear that she had been declared cancer free. But this joy did not last too long, as just this summer she learned that the breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her brain as well. She now is fighting to overcome this terrible disease for the second time.

Julie Blakely was the mother of a friend, Logan, who attended church with me. Logan was the same age as me, so we would often spend time together at various church functions, or summer camps. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery to remove the tumor, but decided against Chemo therapy. She ultimately lost her battle with cancer. Watching Logan during this time was very difficult. I remember him becoming much more quiet and reserved, seeming to lose some of the happiness that often abounded from him.

Jean Reynolds is a neighbor who I have known all my life. She had a daughter that was a year older than me and a year younger than my sister. We spent lots of time together as kids, running back and forth across the mesa between our two houses. Jean has had two different incidents with breast cancer. Following the first diagnosis, she underwent a regular treatment regime, but after the second occurrence, she opted for a bilateral mastectomy. Following this and aggressive radiation and Chemo, she has been cancer free for five years.

Jo Sturdy is another family friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have known the Sturdy’s through church since I can remember. Jordan, her son, is a year younger than me. We both love skiing, and would occasionally travel to Durango together and stay with his relatives. He is finishing up a degree in biomedical engineering like myself, at Letourneau University in east Texas. We also would spend some holidays with the Sturdy’s, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. Jo had a small breast cancer tumor removed and underwent treatment. She now is only taking oral medications and is cancer free.

Sylvia Adams was my dad’s grandmother, or my great grandmother. My father was one of four children, living with their parents who both worked full time. My great grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread into her bones. She moved in with my grandparents, and was given the master bedroom with the private bathroom, as she could not get around well. For two years, all four children shared a small bedroom while they slowly watched their grandmother pass away from her terrible disease.

Cancer is a disease that has touched us all in some way. I ride for those who cannot, for those who have endured so much more than I ever could, and for the hope that one day, there will be no more hardship, but better treatment and a cure.