Profile

About: My name is Amanda Dennis, and I am a 4th year Heath & Society major with a minor in Educational Psychology. I am fully convinced the University of Texas is the best school in the world, and I will be cheering on the Longhorns for the rest of my life! After graduating, my goal is to become a Certified Child Life Specialist. This job combines my love for medicine and kiddos, and I am really passionate about meeting the needs of children in the hospital setting. My family and friends are incredibly important to me. My mom, dad, and sister are three of my biggest supporters and closest friends. I am so thankful for to have a family that has pushed me to follow my dreams – even the crazy ones, like biking to Alaska.

Here are a few of my favorite things & things to do (in no particular order) –
Avocados, running around Town Lake, Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount), staring at the flowers at Central Market, strawberries, writing & receiving letters, listening to Harry Styles, watching sunsets (and sunrises… sometimes), watching UT football, and spending time with my family and friends.

I am honored and excited to be a part of the 2021 Texas 4000 team!

Why I Ride

When I was 10 years old, my Grandpa passed away after a long and fierce battle with Pancreatic Cancer. This was the first time I lost someone I loved to cancer. Since then, I have seen this disease impact my friend’s parents, a friend from my church, my friend’s grandparents, and other members of my extended family. I have seen a glimpse of the pain cancer brings, but I have had the opportunity to experience the hope, love, and strength this disease highlights in the people touches. I am riding my bike from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska with Texas 4000 because I want to do something about this disease that impacts the lives of so many. I am honored I get to play a small part in the fight against cancer and to be on a team that dreams and strives for a world without cancer.

One of the things I have learned about cancer is it doesn’t just affect the person who has the disease. It completely changes the world of family members, friends, and entire communities. I am riding for those who are no longer with us, survivors, current fighters, family members who have been impacted by a loved one fighting cancer, and for anyone touched by this disease in any way. I would be honored to ride for you or someone you know. Please do not hesitate to send me an email (amanda.dennis@utexas.edu) and share your story.

Lastly, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for believing in the mission of Texas 4000. Thank you for your support in this crazy, exciting, hope-filled journey.

2 Corinthians 3:12 “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”

To Alaska & Beyond,
Amanda