Hey! Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my fundraising profile! My name is Meredith Andrus and I am a rising junior majoring in Biology and Exercise Science. I have loved sports and being outdoors since I can remember. My own sports injury in high school blessed me with a strong desire to go into physical therapy as my future career, as well as a newfound love for endurance sports. So, needless to say, when I found out about Texas 4000, I wanted to join as soon as I could! Let’s do this!
Why I Ride
During my first semester at Texas, my grandmother and my aunt were both diagnosed with breast cancer. In the middle of it all, I couldn’t understand why this would happen, but I asked for a way to turn the fear and doubt I felt into something hopeful. I had no idea that my answered prayer, Texas 4000, would become such a meaningful part of my life and time at Texas.
Having gone through their treatment together, I was able to see the strength of my grandmother and aunt’s relationship as mother and daughter. They are now both cancer free and I have never felt more confident in my family’s support and love for one another. While they are physically healed, cancer leaves so much doubt and anxiety behind. Witnessing this has opened my eyes to how unrelenting cancer is and gave me a strong motivation to make a tangible impact on the fight against this disease.
The day I told my grandmother that I made the 2026 team and would be dedicating my ride to her and my aunt was the same day she told me that her oncologist officially declared her cancer free. Now, I am also riding for my grandfather who was recently diagnosed with cancer. I am so grateful that I get to come home from school and spend time with the people that I love most and for an able body that lets me carry these stories with me to Alaska. I ride for my family, but I also ride for all those who are not able-bodied and those who need hope.
If there is someone in your life that has been affected by cancer, please reach out to me at mereandrus@gmail.com. I would love to ride for them or their memory.
