About Me

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About:

I was born in Houston, Texas, on November 26, 1992. I came into this world on a special day-- Thanksgiving day that year. Everyone dropped what they were doing, all the food that they were in the midst of preparing, and rushed to the hospital to see me. Unfortunately, my Aunt Beth was left to take care of my two older cousins and my older sister, all of whom were under the age of five, and she was left to prepare the Thanksgiving meal for my entire family who would be returning from the hospital. Houston has been my home since birth; I have a wonderful and supportive mom, Cindy, and I am the middle child between my smart, social older sister, Mary, and artistic younger sister, Anna. At the age of four, I began attending Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. I spent fourteen years at Duchesne not only learning subjects that would prepare me for college, but I also learned about my Catholic faith, met girls who will be lifelong friends, realized my passion for science, and learned about the many ways that I could serve my community. When I graduated from Duchesne in 2011, I was ecstatic to be attending the University of Texas at Austin, and I was thrilled to be a Longhorn--Hook 'em!!. I am currently a junior at UT studying Human Biology with the hopes of one day attending medical school.

Throughout my freshman year at UT, I had so much fun joining a sorority, meeting new people, and living the college life. However, I wanted to do something bigger with my college career; I really wanted to make a difference. Texas 4000 is the perfect way for me to raise money for a cause that is so important to me and my family.

Why I Ride

My grandpa, Papa, as I affectionately called him, was an inspiring person who was completely committed to my grandmother. Not only was he hard working, but he was also devoted to his religion, and constantly volunteered his time and gave his resources to others. My grandmother, Mimi, was the kindest, most caring woman in the world; her hugs and back scratches were the best. My Mimi and Papa were the happiest couple I have ever seen; my grandfather referred to my grandmother as his “bride” until the day she died. Together, they regularly attended church, and Papa continued to serve the community by lay reading in their church services. Papa also volunteered much of his time to help others, and greatly enjoyed his volunteer work at M.D. Anderson. My grandparents were incredibly supportive of my education and always encouraged me to pursue my goal of becoming a doctor.

We lost my Mimi to multiple myeloma in 2005, and after her death, in 2006 at the age of seventy-nine, Papa was diagnosed with lung cancer. Earlier in life he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he beat it. This time, the cancer was aggressive. It was difficult as a young woman to watch my grandparents suffer through this horrible sickness. I couldn’t do anything to help them. In the summer of 2012, yet another close family member was diagnosed with cancer; my Uncle Kevin was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over the past year, he has received treatment and is now cancer-free! In August 2013, my mom was diagnosed with skin cancer. She is my biggest supporter, my caregiver, my friend, and the person I turn to when I need advice. I absolutely cannot imagine my life without her, so I am very glad that this type of cancer is curable. She will be receiving radiation treatment, and we have high hopes that she will fight through this! Texas 4000 has allowed me to honor my grandparent’s philosophy of serving others, and it has allowed me to raise money to ride for a cause that is so dear to my heart. Though both my grandparents lost their battles with cancer, I hope that cancer research will continue to make strides, and I look forward to a cancer-free future.


I ride for Diane Grace, my grandmother, who lost her battle with multiple myeloma in 2005. She inspired me to live each day to the fullest and to love unconditionally.

I ride for John Grace, my grandfather, who lost his battle with lung cancer in 2006. The way he lived his life is an inspiration to me about how working hard pays off when you work to serve others.

I ride for Kevin Grace, my uncle, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and I ride in support of his family. His unconditional love and humor can turn any situation into a joyous one.

I ride for Cindy Witte, my mom, who was diagnosed with skin cancer. I ride for my sisters as we face her upcoming treatment, and I hope she makes a full recovery!

I ride for anyone who has had cancer or who has had a family member or friend affected by cancer. I ride for their doctors, their supporters, and their caregivers.

Cancer affects us all in some way. I ride for a day without cancer.