Well, I usually try to avoid telling people where I am from because it always brings tons and tons of questions. But since everyone on Texas4000 will get to find out Alaska for themselves, I'll tell ya'll where I'm from, Anchorage, ALASKA!
When I'm home, I love to camp with my bestfriends, Kris and Ellie. I live to wake up to the steam of a warm tent, and the chill of fresh water from a creek that hasn't met humans.
I also love to spend time with my Daddy-o, who has brought so much love and laughter into my life.

I'm doing Texas 4000 for a challenge- a challenge that my grandmother, who died from breast cancer when I was 5, cannot do.
My dad always says my grandmother was a wonderful lady. Someone he regretts I didn't have the chance to get to know, and someone I wish I had the chance to meet.
I'm also doing this for my neighbor at home, Carol Treadwell. Carol was an active member of our community and a person my brother looked up to. She fought hard, and I never really got to thank her for the pain she had to suffer for others.
So I'm riding home for ya'll, Grandma Avey and Carol.
I'm also riding for my dad. My dad was diagnosed with Light-chain deposition disease about 1 1/2 years ago. He's currently waiting for a kidney transplant and on peritoneal dialysis. He has gone through treatments very similar to Chemo patients- taking steroids, and getting EPO shots every week. He still remains strong and happy that I'm doing what I want in life- rowing and getting my RN. His determination to live life, and have fun doing it, inspired me to join Texas 4000, and I cannot wait to see his face when we finally reach Anchorage :)

I would like to add 2 new people to my list of people I am riding for. Danielle Nagle- a church friend from Homer Alaska, who just finished going to through chemo for breast cancer. Danielle is also the mother of 5 boys.

And Colleen Roach. Colleen was practically family. She died of brain cancer in January. Her entire life was changed in just a year. It only took a year for the cancer to rip away her enthusiasm, her spunk, and her life. Alan and Amy miss her deeply- and so do I. So I ride for Colleen.