About Me

Profile

About: Hi! My name is Jackie Wheeler and I am a Public Health major from Dallas, Texas. I am very passionate about environmental conservation, environmental activism, and public health equality.

My involvement in student organizations and programs has been, by far, the most meaningful part of my university experience. At UT, I am involved in Beevo Beekeeping Society, UT Farm Stand, Habitat for Humanity, and Texas Lonestars. Through these organizations, I have been exposed to a variety of different causes, interests, and opportunities. These rich experiences are helping to form me, and will have a lasting impact on my professional and personal life.

In addition to my academics and extracurricular activities at UT, I enjoy playing tennis, going on hikes and walks in the rain, eating ice cream, gardening, and cycling (obviously). I looove pineapples. My favorite show of all time is Psych (there is a pineapple connection here for those of you who are unfamiliar with Psych). I am also an animal lover and a nature enthusiast. I am a huge fan of The Amazing Race and The Voice. Additionally, I have always played musical instruments...and I go to lots of concerts. Some of my favorite artists are Glass Animals, BTS, Dua Lipa, Michael Jackson, HUNNY, and Young the Giant.

Of all my activities and interests, the opportunity to be a part of this bike ride is a special honor. Of course I am excited about the journey and the camaraderie. But I am also humbled to be part of an effort to make a positive change in this world and do my small part to fight a disease that has taken so many lives and that has impacted so many others.

Why I Ride

I ride for my Uncle Bobby- an amazing uncle, a dearly loved son, and a loyal brother. In September he was unexpectedly diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away a few weeks later, at too young of an age. I miss him dearly and I devote my ride in his memory.

I also ride for more distant relatives in my family who survived cancer. I know their journeys were filled with fear, anxiety, and pain. Additionally, there are relatives I never got to know because they lost their lives to the disease. I ride for those relatives who are survivors. I ride for those relatives who succumbed to cancer before I had the chance to know them well. I ride for my great-grandmother who died of colon cancer. I ride for my favorite teacher in 5th grade who battled the disease. I ride for my best friend's mom, who is in complete remission.

I ride for...

Those who have had a family member, a friend, a teacher, a coworker, or a loved one who has battled or been affected by cancer.

I ride for...

Those who have, or are taking care of, a loved one who has cancer.

I ride for...

Those who are battling cancer with a support network around them.

I ride for...

Those who are battling cancer by themselves.

I ride for...

Those who create legislation and acts to support cancer research and cancer support resources.

I ride for...

The countless medical professionals, researchers, scientists, and students who have devoted their genius to finding cures for cancer.

I ride for...

Those who have won the fight against cancer.

I ride for...

Those who are currently battling cancer.

I ride for...

Those who have lost their fight against cancer.

I ride for...

The hope that fewer and fewer people will get this awful diagnosis, and the list of who people ride for will get shorter and shorter as we make great advancements against this awful disease.

And I ride for you and your loved ones.

To Alaska and back!
Jackie