One cannot begin to describe the suffering that cancer brings to the world. It takes family members, friends, and loved ones. It does not discriminate and does not often show mercy. Cancer is an evil that needs to be fought– and Texas 4000 was created in an effort to build an army against cancer.

I'm riding for a close friend of my stepbrother, Isaac, who is battling brain cancer. Isaac is my age– only a quarter into his life– and it breaks my heart to imagine what he and his family are going through. I'm riding for my Aunt Liz, who passed away from lung cancer a few years ago, and my grandpa, Jack, who won the fight against prostate cancer before passing away from a heart attack. I'm also riding for my little sister's best friend, Corie, who beat a childhood battle with cancer and is now 19 and serving as Miss Texas Collegiate America 2021. While Corie's battle with cancer had a positive ending, not the same can be said for everyone. 

I cannot describe the pain my family felt when my aunt passed away and I cannot explain the way my heart ached when a close friend of mine lost her mother in 2019, but I’m riding 4,000 miles this summer in an effort to show my grief for those who have been lost, my love to families and friends affected, and my support to anyone who feels alone in the fight.

I ride for those fighting cancer now, for those who have passed, and for their loved ones. I ride for all who need that extra push to fight harder. I ride for my Texas 4000 team and for all the teams prior. As the daughter of a teacher and someone who believes knowledge is power, I ride for cancer education and the growth of knowledge. I ride for hope, for knowledge, and for charity. I ride for the cancer-free world that Texas 4000 and many others want to see.

Please consider donating to this phenomenal cause. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to learn more about the Texas 4000 mission or include someone specific on my personal “Why I Ride” list that I’ll be taking with me on my ride.

Fighting Cancer Every Mile,

Celesia