Profile

About: Hello!
My name is Bennett Stirton and I am a 4th year Biomedical Engineering and Pre-Dental Student!

Why I Ride

I’m part of Texas 4000 for Cancer, a nonprofit organization that cultivates students leaders and engages communities in the fight against cancer, and in June 2021, I will embark upon a 70-day journey making a 4,500 mile trek across North America on the longest charity bike ride in the world, with the hope of inspiring communities across the nation to help in the battle against cancer. My teammates and I will cycle through communities all across the U.S. (and a little bit of Canada!) making cancer awareness presentations, helping to educate people on cancer prevention and early detection. By sharing our experiences and enthusiasm, we will work to foster hope among those whose lives are personally touched by this disease.

Cancer seems to touch everyone in some way. My mom, Sarah lost her fight with cancer in December 2017. She loved to spend time and travel with my dad and I more than anything else, and one of the hardest parts of seeing her lose her battle was realizing we wouldn’t get to go on any more trips together. That’s why I’m dedicating my ride to her- to honor her in the best way I can. I will be taking her ashes with me, from Austin to Alaska, to spread them in a way that honors her amazing life: getting outside and seeing the world, all while spreading hope, knowledge, and charity everywhere I can. It’s so easy to feel beaten down and helpless in the face of a loved one’s battle with cancer, which is why I feel it’s so important for me to do what I can to be a part of the fight against cancer, and support others going through similar experiences.

If there is anybody who has been affected by cancer, I would love to dedicated a part of my ride to them. Please let me know their name at bit.ly/bennettridesfor