Profile

Why I Ride

To me cancer was just another illness that comes and goes. I never had never lost a loved one to cancer so the stress of dealing with it never fazed me. Then this illusion clashed with reality. On the last day of high school, my mother became diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Prior to this fate, she was lively, fit, and steadfast. The sudden change from her pristine to desperate nature was what devastated me the most. Throughout her treatments she never lost hope, never wavered for she never wanted to lose sight of her future with us. During her battle, my mother had to eat foods that she hated sincerely, had to drink veggie juices that no sane person would ever try, and at times had to be treated like a toddler. Despite her bulletproof perseverance and her unshakable will to live, she passed away surrounded by her family on April 1, 2016.
My mother meant everything to me. We had many arguments and many cherishing moments. She wasn't educated past high school, but that didn't stop her from being the smartest person I know. Whenever someone in our family was in need, she was always the first, even the only person in line to help. Her altruistic nature became embedded in me and this ride is the medium through which I am going to express her love and legacy.
Cancer needs to be nothing but memories. Every great movement is made up of individuals who strive for a common cause. Through Texas 4000, I aim to spread the hope, strength, and knowledge that my mother instilled in me. My mother’s dream was to see me become a strong and compassionate individual, and through this ride I hope to be one step closer.