Hallo!!!! My name is Val and I am currently a fourth year student at UT, studying Scandinavian Studies and Anthropology. It took 21 years, 3 different colleges, 3 different countries, and one change of majors that I finally found myself as a Longhorn (HOOK ‘EM HORNS!). While I travelled the world and met hundreds of amazing people the only regret I have is not coming to Austin sooner!

I was born in Moers, Germany on December 24th, 1985, and grew up on the edge of the Black Forest. Growing up in the most beautiful part of the earth, I could not help but become obsessed with nature, adventure and exploration. My parents decided it would be good for my sister and I to learn English, so at age 12 my father accepted a job offer in Dallas, Texas. While my English vocabulary grew, my love for heat and flatland vanished quickly; once I finished my first year of college I escaped to the chilly Gothenburg, Sweden. Even though I developed a knack for art, backpacking, cooking, Scandinavian culture, and chatting up strangers I realized that half a world away from Tex-Mex and my parents was just not going to work. I returned to the Lone Star State but this time moved 3 hours south of my parents and found the gem of Texas- Austin. I love my new hippie- coop life in the rolling hills of Texas with my new family of 20. If you come looking for me you will find me either cycling around town, painting or playing frisbee golf in Pease Park, rock climbing around the Green Belt, swimming in Barton Springs, cliff diving at Pace Bend or baking in the coop kitchen... to sum it up I LOVE AUSTIN!

In the world of medicine, cancer could be considered the root of all evil; every day it claims thousands of victims. While some can fight the unruly growth of cells, some cannot. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in elementary school. I saw her battle surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and it was devastating. Valiantly and graciously, she beat her cancer and today is stronger than ever. When she was diagnosed I told her I would cure all cancer and diseases, she laughed and told me to never give up. While I can praise the luck of my grandmother, many are not as fortunate. My mother’s cousin, Luzia, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. She endured a treacherous battle, and passed away at age 46. She left behind two daughters and her husband.

Nearly everyone is affected by cancer, and I want to try my hardest to erase it from the list of fatal diseases. Riding 4,500 miles will raise awareness and inspiration, but most of all it will show cancer survivors and those left behind that we are riding for them. By gaining support for cancer research we are one step closer to eradicating the root of all medical evil.