I ride for the classmate who wasn't in class. I ride because it could've been me.

In elementary school, I remember a boy in my class who was often missing. Days turned into weeks, and while the rest of us played at recess and worried about spelling tests, he was in and out of the hospital fighting cancer. I didn’t fully understand what that meant at the time, but I knew enough to recognize how serious it was. And more importantly, I realized for the first time: it could happen to any of us.

He survived, thankfully. But the memory of his empty desk stuck with me. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of cancer’s reach even into the lives of children. As I’ve grown older, that early awareness has transformed into something deeper: a commitment to understanding and combating the effects of cancer on individuals, families, and communities.

That’s why I’m riding with Texas 4000 for Cancer, a 4,000+ mile journey from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska. I joined Texas 4000 because I believe in its mission to fight cancer through fundraising, education, and community engagement, and because I wanted to channel my passion into something tangible.

In this journey, I’ve already begun connecting with people whose lives have been changed by cancer. Some are close friends. Some are strangers. All of them have stories of fear, strength, loss, and survival. And story one motivates me to keep going.

As I train, fundraise, and prepare for the physical and emotional road ahead, I carry with me the lessons of that boy’s absence. His story is a part of mine now, and I ride for him, for the people I’ve met along the way, and for the many more I hope to ride toward with purpose and empathy.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Your contribution directly supports cancer research, prevention, and support services. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact!!

• Share My Story: Help spread awareness by sharing my fundraising page with your network.

• Ride With Me in Spirit: If there’s someone you’d like me to ride for, I would be honored to carry their name with me. Please email me at leahtharakan@utexas.edu.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Your support brings us all closer to a world without cancer.

To Alaska and Back,
Leah