Even though I’m a Jersey girl at heart, I’m happy to now call Austin my home, as I study for my Master’s in Art Education at UT. My twin sister and I were born three minutes apart in a small town called Cape May Court House, New Jersey. I was born first, absolutely ready to go, and I've been like that ever since.

At eighteen, I attended my undergrad, Penn State University, to study art history and art education. While there, I was a member of the crew team. I also participated in Penn State’s Dance Marathon, which benefits research and funding for pediatric cancer. It is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, helping to raise over six million dollars in 2008. I was honored to stand without sleep for 46 hours to fight against cancer; I plan to pedal my heart out in much the same way for the Texas 4000, another worthwhile, wonderful cause.

I love traveling, my family, watching college football, and listening to good music. I like watching and quoting movies with my witty siblings. I have a weakness for carbs and chocolate. I love warm weather. I think breakfast tacos are the best thing ever. I'm a very motivated person and definitely not a procrastinator. And though I’m only a little over five feet tall, I put all of my heart and soul into the things I am passionate for, most certainly including the Texas 4000.

Fighting cancer takes remarkable strength and hope. The Texas 4000 serves to support these courageous individuals by biking from Austin to Anchorage. The 4,500 mile trek is in no way equal to the pain, uncertainty, or fear that cancer victims must endure. It is, though, a way for the Texas 4000 riders to mimic that emotional journey, educate others about cancer, fundraise for research, honor those who have lost their fight, and rally for those who are continuing to battle against this terrible disease.

This task may seem insurmountable, but together, we’ll ride to make a difference. We bike for a cause greater than ourselves and we will continue to bike until there is a cure.

Alaska, here we come.