Hello!! My name is Diksha Kurwa, and I’m beyond excited to bike from Austin to Alaska in the summer of 2026 with Texas 4000. I am a rising senior at UT Austin studying Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. Outside of Texas 4000, you can find me exploring a new trail, cramming in the Engineering building, or participating in a board meeting for the Young Jains of America.

I was born and raised in Houston, TX by various communities, a true testament to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. From family, friends, mentors, and even strangers who showed up for me when I needed it most, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of community. I ride to give back to those communities and to honor the strength and resilience I’ve seen in the people around me, especially those impacted by cancer.

I ride for people like Barbara and Terry, a power couple (and an honorary set of grandparents) who each fought their own battle against cancer. Barbara, a breast cancer survivor, faced her diagnosis with clarity, tackled treatment with grit, and came out on the other side stronger than ever. While chatting with her about her diagnosis she said, “You just move forward. You find a way to keep going.” At the age of 65, she found a passion for running and has been in the top 3 of her age group at every half marathon and 5k she does. Terry, who battled prostate cancer, shared how running after treatment became his way to reclaim life. “It gave me my power back,” he said. Their stories are not just about survival but about transformation. They are the kind of people who remind me why this mission matters and keep me motivated every single day.

Texas 4000 combines everything I value: community, service, challenge, and purpose. It’s about hope and the small but meaningful ways we show up for each other. I ride for the people still fighting, for the families holding onto hope, and for a world where no one faces this alone.

Your donation helps support cancer research, patient support services, and the Texas 4000 Summer 2026 Ride as we spread our mission of hope, knowledge, and charity across North America. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for standing by me in this effort, your support means the world to me! Let’s do this thing and kick cancer’s butt!!

To Alaska and back,

Diksha Kurwa

dikshakurwa@utexas.edu

Follow the journey on Instagram @diksha2alaska