Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to learn about Texas 4000 and read my story. My name is Allie Rossmiller and I am a fourth-year accounting student hoping to pursue a career as a CPA. I am a proud Houstonian, but have spent my fair share of my summers in Iowa. I come from a family of five that has always emphasized the importance of hard work, spending quality time with one another, and being a good person. I hope to embody these values throughout my journey with Texas 4000. 

I ride for my Grandma Barbie. She is a 77-year old real-life superwoman who has lived life to the fullest. An educator for over 30 years, she excelled as a teacher then principal, and eventually became the first female executive administrator in the state of Iowa. She also has an affinity for the outdoors, and worked her way through college as a commercial fisherman on the Mississippi River. My Grandma Barbie is also a breast cancer survivor.

She was diagnosed over 30 years ago. At the time, there were few alternatives to invasive procedures. Though her cancer had not metastasized yet, she underwent a life-saving but also life-changing double mastectomy to prevent the cancer from returning. My mom, her daughter, had nearly an identical scan earlier this year. I have seen the progress that cancer treatment has made, as my mom underwent a much less invasive surgery which left her healthy with continued oversight. I will ride for my Grandma Barbie and mom - women who have shown nothing but courage. I will ride for my two sisters, who are at greater risk of contracting this disease because of my family’s extensive history. Last, I will ride for those who have not been afforded the same access, knowledge, and resources to discover their cancer early.

Just as the past riders I have known, I am excited to uphold the memories of the people that cancer has touched. Through my experience with cancer, I know that this disease does not just affect the victim, it impacts family, friends, and entire communities. I hope to use my influence as a rider to work towards a future where we are afforded more time with our loved ones - something that will require an impressive physical undertaking and dedication to spreading knowledge and hope.

And finally, though I will ride for my grandma, mom, and T4K alumni I will also be riding for my future teammate’s loved ones, and anyone who sends their story my way.

(Working towards) Alaska and back,

Allie Rossmiller