About Me

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About:

For most families, going to the movies or out to dinner would likely be described as a rather uneventful activity. For the most part this applies to my family as well; however, there is a slight exception. Every time we walk into a restaurant or a crowded store, there is almost always the sensation that everyone stops what they are doing and looks directly at us. No one in my family is famous or anything, but the reason behind the stares is that to the average person, we might seem like a family of giants. Standing at 6’3”, my mom is the “runt” of the family. My dad and I follow at 6’4” and 6’6” respectively. Finally, there is my 20-year old younger brother, who stands at an eclipsing 7’1.” I have always enjoyed this unique aspect of our family and in a strange way, I think that it is part of the reason we are so close. My family is very dear to me and I am so grateful for all of the love and support that they have given me throughout my life.

I was born in Colorado Springs, and although we moved to Texas when I was in first grade, Colorado has always held a very special place in my heart. I grew up in San Antonio, where in I had a pretty typical childhood. I spent most of my elementary years going outside any chance I could and playing sports with my neighbourhood friends. From middle school through high school, my entire life basically revolved around competitive basketball; and I will always cherish the memories and friendships I was able to form while on the court.

In my free time, I enjoy watching (and quoting) movies, hanging out with my friends, playing soccer and basketball, watching sports (especially anything involving UT or the San Antonio Spurs), hiking, and just trying new things.

I am currently in my Fourth Year at UT, where I am studying Chemical Engineering. I spent last spring studying as an exchange student in Edinburgh, Scotland; an experience that was truly indescribable. Upon graduation, I plan on attended graduate school to study both Renewable Energy Engineering and Public Policy. I hope to eventually work on developing new technologies and policies that allow us to generate power and operate in a manner that is truly sustainable.

Why I Ride

It goes without saying; the devastating nature of cancer is comparable to few other things in our society. Whether personally being diagnosed with the disease or knowing someone who is; the physical, emotional, and financial toll that this disease takes is likely to be a burden felt by every person at some point in their lifetime.

Unfortunately, I have been affected by this awful disease on several occasions. My most devastating experience with cancer occurred 3 years ago when acute lymphoma claimed the life of my grandfather. We did not learn of my grandfather’s condition until the cancer was already in its late stages and had spread to other parts of his body. The toughest part of the ordeal was helplessly watching my grandfather as he withered away. It was especially hard considering the fact that just a year and a half prior to being diagnosed he was beaming with life as he took me and my family to visit his childhood home in Switzerland. My grandfather battled through adverse conditions his entire life, with cancer being the only thing he wasn’t able to overcome. With this in mind, I ride to honor him and bring his relentless spirit to the fight against cancer.

In the summer of 2009, I learned that my mother is a survivor of breast cancer. It turns out that she had been diagnosed when I was 6 years old. My parents decided not to tell me back then because they worried that the news would be too much for a small child to handle. Needless to say, I was rather shocked when I learned of my mom’s diagnosis 15 years after the fact. This news was very upsetting to me because I kept thinking about how close I had come to losing my mom at such a young age and how drastically different my life would have been had that ended up being the case.

I can’t even imagine putting myself in my parents’ shoes and trying to figure out whether or not to tell a small child that his mother might die. This experience enlightened me to the fact that the emotional pain caused by cancer can be just as severe as the physical pain. That being said, I ride for my mom and her triumph over the disease. I ride for my family to thank them for all they have given me over the past 22 years. And I ride to give support, hope, and encouragement to anyone who has or will be affected by this awful disease.