Profile

About: I am a Junior MIS major born and raised in Austin, Texas. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, reading non-fiction, and socializing. If you share the same interests with me, or don't, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Why I Ride

The most genuine reason I ride is because of all the stories I’ve heard throughout the years that weren’t only my own. In my life, I have been fortunate that no one in my direct family has dealt cancer, but I have stories through my parents. My great grandmother fought breast cancer before I ever got to meet her. I ride for her. As a first-generation American, I never got an opportunity to be incredibly tight knit with my extended family and grandparents because of the geographical barrier. Nevertheless, I want to honor my family, and my country, by completing the 4500-mile bike trek all the way to Alaska.

For a large part of my life, I was never exposed to the sad realities of cancer. It wasn’t until high school that I saw it directly impact a really close friend after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Through him, I understood the extent to which cancer can not only damage a patient’s health, but also their family’s. I was heartbroken as I saw him depressed, sleep deprived, and at a loss of motivation in track and field – a passion of his. The collateral damage cancer can cause is a huge reason I want to ride and bring more awareness to.

Growing up, I’ve always shown my passion to fight cancer through different physically demanding events. Whether it was a 10K or a road biking event, I felt that I was paying respect through the much milder pain I endured on the race or ride. After finding Texas 4000, I felt that this encapsulated the same essence but in a completely higher regard. Biking up the entire United States into Canada, and then Alaska is beyond my wildest dreams. However, through the strength and courage I’ve heard about from cancer patients and their loved ones, I’m confident I can honor and make every single person I’ve come across throughout the journey proud. I’m beyond excited and honored to carry the incredible stories, knowledge, and souls with me all the way to Alaska.