Wendes. It's a strange name, my mother’s maiden name, but I'm happy it is mine. Though it's a German name, "Guten Morgen", "Danke" and this picture of me in a palace in Munich are about as German as I go. I was Texas born, Texas raised and spent most of my life growing up in a place called Frisco (not to be confused with that big city in California). Back in this hometown of mine are my two younger brothers, my dad, and my big goofy golden retriever, Trek. "My boys."

Within The University of Texas, I’m majoring in Management Information Systems at McCombs. I love it here in Austin! In my free time I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, Texas two-stepping, kicking around a soccer ball, baking and picnicking, tailgating Texas football games, checking out live music downtown, trail running, and traveling everywhere.

“Wendes is my best girlfriend which my mom & I were; so that is special. We have a great time shopping together (girly) and going to FC Dallas games (sporty). Wendes amazes me with her ambition and how she gets involved in so many great activities. I wish I would have done all the things she is doing at UT – I am enjoying hearing about them all. I am so proud of her accomplishments; she is the “all American girl!”

My mom was diagnosed with Central Nervous System Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in the Summer of 2011. The note above is from a letter she wrote prior to having brain surgery to remove the horrible, growing tumor that the chemo couldn’t get. I got a call from my dad the night before the surgery, which they had scheduled earlier that day when they discovered how much the tumor had grown, even while she was thought to be in remission. I drove up to Dallas that night, getting a speeding ticket on the way. It was the first night in her ugly battle with cancer that I was truly scared I was going to lose my mom.

She survived the surgery, but when they told her they could not fully remove the tumor, I could see her heart break. She kept a brave face, always saying she was just glad it was her and not one of her children.

I came home again for that Thanksgiving break, and spent an amazing week with her and our extended family. At the end of the week, I gave her a big hug and then returned to Austin to finish out the fall semester. I was so ready to be home for Christmas Break, so that I could stay longer and help take care of her. I called her everyday, just as I always had since I started at UT, but didn't realize radiation made it hard for her to talk. I had no idea that’s why she wasn’t answering my calls. I had begun making plans to take a semester off from UT, so I could be with her in Frisco. But I did not know how bad it truly was.

The night before I was to return home for winter break, she passed away. I drove home the next morning, still unaware, and my dad met me in the drive way and helped me bring my things into the kitchen. I could sense something was really wrong when she wasn’t there waiting for me. He gave me a big hug, and told me to hold him tightly, and in tears told me she was gone.

I ride for my mom, who was the strongest, bravest woman I ever knew. And I miss her with all my heart.

I ride for her, for all the people who are fighting this horrible disease, and for their families and friends who deeply care for their fighter. My mom and I never got to do that California wine tasting for my 21st birthday, and she won’t be at my wedding or there when my children are born. I ride for her, and for every mother and daughter who don’t deserve this reality.

I love you, Mom.