WHY I RIDE

My aunt

My dad

April 20, 1963 - June 18, 2013

I ride to spread awareness about this evil disease called cancer. I ride to spread hope to those who are battling with this terrible illness. I ride for everyone who has been affected by cancer. I ride for everyone who has lost a loved one to cancer. I ride for the survivors who inspire me to be strong regardless of what mountain I’m facing. I ride for those who can’t. I ride for my aunt who is currently fighting against lymphoma. I ride for my dad who fought fiercely against gastric cancer til the very end and who taught me how to love unconditionally. I ride for an end to this horrible sickness. I ride for a cure.

My dad was one of those people who you met, and just immediately liked. His easy-going personality and charisma was known throughout the community, and he always made time to build relationships with people. When we found out he had gastric cancer in July 2012, it was like time had stopped. How could my dad, my hero, have such a destructive disease? I couldn't wrap my head around it.

When my dad passed away after his six-month long battle with cancer this past June, it felt as if my whole world had collapsed. He spent his whole life working to provide a comfortable life for my sister and me, and yet he had to suffer through this awful illness. I had to face the fact that my dad would never be able to yell at me for being out too late again, see me graduate, or walk me down the aisle. They’re not joking when they say you never realize how blessed you are until you lose someone precious in your life.

I ride for my dad because he taught me how to be strong and fight back against whatever life has handed me. He taught me that even though life sucks so badly sometimes, there's always going to be another day. He taught me to appreciate every day I have, and to never take anything or anyone for granted. And finally, he taught me how to love blindly and without any regrets.

My aunt is one of the strongest people I know. Ever since I can remember, she's been there taking care of my grandparents and her daughter all while being a single mom. When she, my dad, and uncle came to America, she was the one who had to work the hardest since she was the oldest of the bunch. I've always looked up to her for her unwavering resilience, and am so grateful for her for everything she's done for me.

In January of 2014, we discovered that my aunt had been diagnosed with lymphoma. It was hard, but even more so because we were all still recovering from the loss of my dad. I felt like I was experiencing déjà vu, and it was like my nightmare cancer had come back. It's hard to go through cancer once, let alone consecutive experiences.

I ride for my aunt because she taught me that no matter where you start from, you can achieve great things if you work for it. She taught me that anything is possible as long as you put your heart, mind, and soul to it. I ride for her complete recovery and for her to defeat this awful disease.

So, my sister and I have kind of a weird relationship. We used to always fight when we were younger, and we never seemed to see eye-eye on things. However, when she went off to college, things changed a lot. With the separation came much needed time away from each other and a better relationship between us. She's now one of my best friends, and although we still get on each other's nerves from time to time, I can always tell her anything and know that she'll be there to just listen and not judge me at all. We share experiences specific to us, and I think that really strengthens our connection.

I ride for my sister because she has always been there for me, whether I've wanted her to be or not. She's taught me patience, which is something that definitely did not come easily for me. She also taught me that what other people think is not actually that important, and that sometimes, it's okay to admit that I used to play World of Warcraft and that I really enjoyed it. I want to share her confidence of who she is and spread that to those who feel like they have to hide who they really are. I want to show people that there is nothing wrong with what they like, who they like, and who they are.

My mom came into my life when I was in the first grade. She married my dad and took care of my and sister and me up until my senior year in high school. She is the most amazing person I know, and has made me who I am today. Without her, I have no idea where my life would be. She was the one who helped my dad to overcome his alcoholism, and she stayed the course even when things got really tough. I feel like no one really understands how much my mom has sacrificed for my sister and me, and I am still in awe of her strength and compassion.

I ride for my mom because she has literally given up most of her life to make sure that my sister and I have an opportuniy for a better future. She always told me that the only reason she stayed with my dad through his alcoholism was because of my sister and me, and to me, that is the best proof of love. I want to ride for my mom's unconditional love for me, even though she didn't give birth to me. I want to share her love to everyone I meet and spread the strength that she has given me to those who are struggling against cancer.

My sister

My mom

People I ride for

My Hellraisers

My teammates

The Longhorn Hellraisers are literally like my second family. I joined as a freshman here at UT, and it was honestly one of the best decisions of my life. They've been an amazing support system, and always know how to cheer me up and make me have a good time.

I ride for my Hellraisers because they are wildest, yet caring people I've ever met. On the outside, they seem kind of rough on the edges, but after getting to know them, I know that they are some of most genuinely good people you could ever find. I ride for them and for the fun times that we've all shared together, even those we can't really remember.

My teammates in Texas 4000 are hands down the most incredible group of people I have ever had to privilege to know. Each and every one of them have hearts the size of a football field, and they each have a story to tell. We are all united in this uphill fight against cancer, and I love that I have so many people I can relate to and even just break down in front of. We all come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, but we all share the same mission: fighting cancer. This mission connects us so deeply, and I am so proud to be a part of such an inspiring team.

I ride for my teammates as we go through this journey and face the struggles that will appear on our path to Alaska. I ride for us connecting with as many people as possible and for all of us getting to Alaska safely. I ride for the great things we will accomplish on this ride and after the ride.