In the summer of 2021, I will be riding from Austin to Anchorage as part of the Texas 4000 team to support the fight against cancer. Please help me by giving whatever you can using the 'Give Now' button. The more people that know about Texas 4000, the greater the impact in the fight against cancer, so spread the word by sharing my page with your friends and family.

One of the people I hold near my heart is a man named Warren Morris. He was my former high school science teacher and is a large reason as to why I’m pursuing engineering today. Mr. Morris was a man of many hats: an aviator in the United States Army, a civil engineer, and an educator. He pushed for my high school to start a robotics program and constantly inspired his students to succeed. He was the type of teacher that never answered a question directly and would instead guide students to getting the answer themselves. Freshman year of high school, I was so excited to finally have Mr. Morris as a teacher and experience his learning for myself. Little did I know, the opportunity would be cut short when I found out he was diagnosed with colon cancer. That didn’t stop him completely, though. Despite doctor's orders, he found ways to mentor and teach us outside of the classroom, even if it was only through video.

Mr. Morris worked relentlessly to help others because that’s what he was passionate about. He eventually beat colon cancer and came back to teach before finally retiring. A few years later, I found out that Mr. Morris was diagnosed with leukemia. I wasn’t that phased because he had beat cancer before and could do it again. At least, that’s what I thought. March 2018, Mr. Morris passed away after valiantly battling against his nemesis – cancer. When I found out, I was shocked and frustrated because all this man did was give to others and spread joy. Then I realized that his impact reached so many people that it would be impossible for him to actually disappear. Mr. Morris may physically be gone, but I’ll carry his spirit within me no matter where I go.

Through this experience, I witnessed how powerful hope and courage are but also how devastating cancer can be. I ride for those who would be by my side and support me on this journey but unfortunately, cannot.

Thank you for taking some time to read my page. If there is anyone that you would like me to ride for, please reach out to me! It would be an incredible honor to share their story.

Together, we can make a cancer-free world a reality.

To Alaska and back,
An Nguyen