I was lucky to be born into a happy, healthy, and loving family. Growing up I played baseball, chased my younger siblings around the house, and rode my bike everywhere. In 10th grade I discovered art history, in 12th I fell in love with painting, and soon afterward I picked up a camera and haven’t been able to put it down yet. I read, I write, and I see beauty everywhere. I am an artist.

The statistics describing cancer are jarring—the contractive probability, the mortality rates, the millions of people still suffering—and when confronted with these cold, hard numbers and percentages, it doesn’t take long to realize cancer is no joke. Once we understand what we’re up against, these figures quickly become overwhelmingly morbid and painfully redundant. Cancer education and cancer research is about life and living, health and healing, and cultivating a mindset that refuses to give malignant cells any room to gain a foothold. More than a fight against cancer, this is a fight for better times. A fight for prevention, a fight for early detection, a fight for a more efficient road to recovery, and a fight for a greater understanding. Armed with hope, knowledge, and charity, my teammates and I will make the future a better place.

Many people in my family have contracted cancer—lung, skin, prostate, breast. While some have overcome it, others have not. As I'm riding across America, I will be remembering those lost to cancer and celebrating those who beat it. This is for my family, my friends, their families and friends, and anyone who was, is, or might be affected by cancer. This is for everyone. My commitment to Texas 4000 is a commitment to make a difference—a big one, a lasting one, and a very real one.