Hi everyone! My name is Ruchi Birur, and I am a junior Biomedical Engineering student at UT Austin! I am so honored to have been selected as a rider for the 2026 team. I ride for my close family members who are currently battling chronic disease and illnesses, and for my friends whose lives have been deeply impacted by cancer. I ride for the patients I met while volunteering at a hospice center — especially one woman with a terminal breast cancer diagnosis who forever changed my outlook. I sat with her during quiet afternoons, painting her nails, reading aloud, and listening as she shared stories and photos from her childhood and family. 

These experiences inspired me to pursue a path toward advancing cancer research and developing targeted therapies that reduce the risk of metastasis and improve treatment outcomes, while minimizing side effects. Upon graduation, I hope to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on cancer cell engineering and targeted drug delivery, in order to design smart therapeutic systems that can selectively modulate tumor microenvironments, improve precision in drug delivery, and ultimately improve patient well-being. I am especially passionate about spreading awareness of early cancer detection tools to communities that are affected by the inequities in our healthcare system. 

Texas 4000 is far more than just cycling to Alaska. It is about spreading hope and creating a future where beating cancer is a reality for everyone. Across every mile, I hope to carry with me the stories of the brave fighters who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Through this journey, I look forward to forming close connections with my team and engaging with local communities to lead the fight against cancer. If cancer has impacted you or your family, I would be honored to share your/their story along my ride as well. Please reach out to me at ruchibirur@utexas.edu. 

I need your helping in completing my mission!

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!