Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Cancer’s pervasiveness and range creates a ripple effect of grief and fear. While I have been fortunate enough to have my nuclear family unaffected by this disease, its presence has not been unnoticed.

I ride for my great uncle David Shipp. Though my memories of Uncle David are limited, I fondly recall his chaotic nature in the kitchen; always mildly scaring us and refusing to follow a recipe, his food was incredible, and he had endless entertaining stories to match.

I ride for my best friends who have had their time with their parents cut short. Despite the unfairness of their losses, these people continue to spread love and positivity to those around them.

I ride for my “Auntie” Vivian and for everyone else who has beaten cancer and live in fear of its return. Even beating this disease does not cease the emotional trauma and anxiety of recurrence.

I ride to fight cancer’s ripple of grief and fear and to counteract it with a ripple effect of hope for a cure. Fundraising and riding with Texas 4000 will help to build a united network of people dedicated to supporting the fight against cancer. I welcome hearing your story and adding your loved ones to my list of those I ride for.