About Me

Profile

About: Hi there, my name is Julia Olson and here is a bit about myself:

I am a sophomore at The University of Texas from Coppell, Texas. I love anything outdoors and am especially fond of camping, hiking, biking and the mountains. I enjoy running and like to spend my free time exploring, taking photographs and going on adventures. I love seeing new places, meeting new people and dream of visiting all seven continents.

My family and friends are a huge part of my life and inspire me greatly. They shaped me into the person I am today and I am so blessed with such caring, genuine people in my life. I am the youngest of four girls (all of whom went to UT) and loved growing up with such a tight knit family. My family members are my number one supporters and best friends. I am so grateful for them.

I believe that just being alive is an amazing thing and I strive to do more than just exist. I want my life to be a reflection of the love and joy the Lord gave us. I hope that every day I am making a positive impact on the lives of those around me and believe that every day is a chance to do something extraordinary.

Why I Ride

I ride for my Grandpa, Blake Waterhouse, who is battling a rare form of blood cancer. He was diagnosed four years ago and has been putting up a strong fight ever since. He gives the best hugs, has run 20+ marathons, and still plays in a competitive softball league- traveling all over the nation. He is the jokester at every family gathering and makes sure everyone is wearing a smile. I look up to him in so many ways and consider him one of my biggest role models. I hope to live my life with half as much ambition, love and joy as he does.

I ride for my best friend’s dad, Jay Hohfeler, who battled lymphoma and has now been cancer free for almost four years. Jay is an incredible father to three girls and one of the most loving people I know. I have been blessed to know the Hohfeler family all my life and consider them some of the kindest people I have ever met. I am so inspired by the courage and optimism they have continued to express these past four years.

I ride for my family friend Olivia Smith, who passed away at age 11 from leukemia. Olivia was so full of life and her maturity far exceeded her age. She was loved very much by her family and friends and is missed greatly. Olivia’s story is a huge motivator for why I ride because no child’s life should be taken from them. However, I am so inspired by her fight and look forward to carrying her story across the continent with me.

For the stories, both told and untold, those still being lived out and those ended too soon. For the families whose lives have been turned upside down, for the children who have lost a parent, the adults who have lost a friend and for every time cancer has crept its way into someone’s life. Texas 4000 is so much more than a cross country bike ride, it symbolizes hope that somewhere in the future we may be able to change someone’s story by fighting the one thing that has held its grip on so many of us for too long.

For my friends, family, and those I don’t know- if you have anyone you would like me to ride for, please let me know. I would be honored to carry your stories across the country and would love to dedicate my ride to you or your loved ones and the way cancer has affected your life. Please do not hesitate to contact me.