Eighteen student cyclists from the College of Natural Sciences will begin a 4,000-mile bike ride from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska this weekend as part of Texas 4000, the longest annual charity bike ride in the world.
The ride promotes cancer awareness and helps raise money for cancer research. They are part of a group of 67 UT-Austin students participating in the 70-day ride, which begins Saturday. To date, over 600 students have made the journey from Austin to Alaska and have raised more than $7 million for the fight against cancer since the ride began in 2003.
Learn about what motivates some CNS students to ride in the excerpts below or visit the Texas 4000 site to read more about each of the 67 riders.
Name: Matthew Schneider
Major: Computer Science
Why I ride:
"I ride for my father, Robert Schneider. His diagnosis in Spring 2014 marked the beginning of a difficult struggle for our family. His resolve inspired me to join Texas 4000 and gives me strength every day to ride. Every time I put my feet into pedals I move forward with him in my heart." Read more.
Name: Geetika Rao
Major: Human Biology & Business Foundations
Why I ride:
"I have been very fortunate in my 20 years to not have been personally affected by cancer, but I know too many friends and colleagues that have. I ride for all of them and their loved ones." Read more.
Name: Genaro DeLeon
Major: Biochemistry
Why I ride: "I ride in honor of my dad and all those lucky enough to get a second chance with their families and at life. I also ride in memory of my grandma and all those who have lost someone dear to them." Read more.
Helen Tang
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Why I ride: "Win or lose, I ride for the fighters. I ride for everyone who has been hurt by this terrible disease. I ride for all of the families that have been torn apart by this disease and for all of those who stand in the fight alongside me. You see, that's the thing about Cancer: it tears us apart but it also brings us closer. Together, we will fight this disease. Together, we will triumph." Read more.
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