Profile
- Route: Sierra
- Ride Year: 2024
- Hometown: Portland, OR
- School Year: Senior
- Major: Finance
- Email: ritikasaripalli@utexas.edu
Why I Ride
I ride for a purpose greater than myself. I ride for hope, for healing, and for a future free from the shadows of cancer.
Cancer has woven its way into the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind a trail of pain and uncertainty. Its impact is universal, touching families, friends, and communities. And for me, it became an undeniable presence when it entered the life of someone dear to me, my dad’s mom, my Nanamma. She has fought uterine cancer, and now lung cancer. Her battle is a stark reminder of the relentless fight that millions wage against this formidable adversary.
I ride for the memories of those who have fought bravely and for the futures of those who continue to battle. Every stroke of the pedal is a testament to their strength and resilience. It's a promise to carry their stories, their courage, and their hope with me on this journey.
I ride to be a beacon of awareness. The Texas 4000 journey isn't just about crossing miles; it's about bridging gaps in knowledge and understanding. It's about sparking conversations about prevention, early detection, and the importance of research. It's about empowering communities to take charge of their health and to stand together against this common enemy.
I ride because I am part of a community that is dedicated to making a difference. Texas 4000 is more than just a cycling organization; it's a family of like-minded individuals who share a vision of a world without cancer. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible team.
I ride because I believe in the power of hope. Hope is a force that unites us, that gives us the strength to keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. I hope for a world where cancer is but a memory, a world where families don't have to endure the pain of loss, and where survivors thrive.
In the end, I ride for a future where cancer is no longer a threat, where the stories of survival outweigh the stories of loss, and where hope reigns supreme. Texas 4000 is my platform to turn this vision into reality, and I am ready to embark on this life-changing journey, fueled by purpose, driven by hope, and powered by the collective strength of those who share my dream.
To Alaska and back,
Ritika