About Me

Profile

About: Hi, I'm Caroline! I'm so excited that you're here! I'm from Houston, Texas, and I'm studying Psychology here at UT. I also have the privilege of serving as the 2023 Rockies Travel Chair! A few things about me: I love dogs, and actually all animals for that matter, being outside (despite the pollen), watching Friends (and Seinfeld), and just about any activity spent with friends or family!

I remember when I first discovered Texas 4000. My friend had told me about this really cool organization that bikes from Austin to Anchorage to raise money for cancer research. That alone was enough for me to be intrigued. After watching one of the summer ride videos on YouTube though, I knew I had to be apart of it. I've always loved adventure, being outdoors, and, most of all, helping others. It's these passions (and, perhaps, my naiveté about how difficult the ride will be) that led me to joining this amazing organization. I can't begin to describe how excited I am for all that's to come, and I am so grateful for your support. To Alaska and back!

Why I Ride

I am riding in honor of my grandfather, Stanley Day Warburton. My grandfather was a paragon of steadfast devotion to his family. He was at every school ceremony, dance recital, birthday dinner- you name it. His laughter and vivaciousness lit up every room he entered. He never turned down a game of cards, and some of my most cherished memories with him were created at my grandparents’ kitchen table over a game of hand-and-foot. He was an avid storyteller, religiously telling stories about his time in the military, his rebellious days as a teen, and- my favorite- how he met my grandmother.

In January of 2021, he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, and he passed only a month later. After his diagnosis, I remember the frustration I felt upon realizing that there was very little that could be done to help him. I remember him saying that he wanted more time, not to live but to watch his grandchildren grow up. I ride in hopes of a future with increased knowledge and resources surrounding cancer research, prevention, and treatment so that a diagnosis like my grandfather’s does not have to be terminal. I ride for everyone who has lost someone to cancer, and I ride for those that are so valiantly battling the disease.