About Me

Profile

About: Hello & welcome! My name is Ani. Actually, my name is Anna, but no one calls me that so I usually forget Anna is even my real name. I’m not super into astrology, but I am probably the most-Virgo Virgo you’ll ever meet; hence the following list of six super fun & cool facts about myself below.

1. I’m a huge coffee gal, and will never pass on an iced vanilla latte with cinnamon
2. Beyond UT, I have aspirations to earn my master’s or doctorate degree in administration and leadership, and work in the upper-end towards making a difference in the world of education
3. I’ve been lucky enough to see my favorite band, LANY, from the front of the barricade twice, where the lead singer touched my hand (and yes! I still freak out about it!)
4. My friends describe me as the perfect mix between David Rose from Schitt's Creek and Jackie Burkhart from That 70’s Show, although I grew up with the nickname of Miss. Congeniality from my aunts
5. I am absolutely terrified of frogs
6. I played the trumpet in high school! Although I was definitely not the most talented in the section, marching band will always have a special place in my heart

I would love to hear your stories of how cancer has impacted your life, and I would be honored to ride for your loved ones. Feel free to contact me with your stories at any time!

Why I Ride

From the outside, riding your bike from Austin to Alaska sounds insurmountable, but I think that is why I am so passionate about this organization. Coming together as a team to do something so out of the ordinary in the fight against an even bigger battle of cancer is, for lack of a better term, a huge deal. As these are both very different types of obstacles, they require one to reach for the stars as they fight their battles.

I ride for the world. For those battling cancer alone; I ride for you and your strength, and may you know you are not alone. For those standing by their loved ones through their diagnosis; I ride for you with hugs of hope. For those not personally touched by cancer, but are choosing to educate themselves on it’s prevention and treatment, I ride for you to spread knowledge and awareness.

Among the millions of people all over the world I would ride for, I would personally ride for my grandfather and Uncle Steve. My maternal grandfather, who we lovingly called Papo, passed away in January of my sophomore year of high school after a short battle with a lymphoma in his throat. I spent the winter break of that year at his house, watching his lively personality dwindle away as he grew sicker. He went from the person who would watch every Hannah Montana episode and dance around the kitchen with me to someone who could barely speak or eat. I would also ride for my Uncle Steve, who lost his battle to brain cancer back in 2013. Despite his diagnosis, he was still the best man I have ever known; someone so kind, humble, ambitious, and loved. Papo and Uncle Steve were the best of friends, they both had a passion for astronomy. Uncle Steve had a large telescope, and he’d always bring it to my grandparent’s house when he visited. I remember all of the Christmas breaks spent outside, they would look at the stars while telling me where I could find Santa and his reindeer. I would ride for Papo and Uncle Steve, as their simple love for the stars is a constant and beautiful reminder for myself to always reach for them.

To Alaska and back,
Ani