Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page and read more about why I ride! My name is Rutvi Kunadia, and I'm a third-year Public Health student at the University of Texas at Austin(hook 'em!) from Dallas, TX.

My first experience with cancer was in second grade when my aunt's brain tumor returned. Nila fai was first diagnosed with a stage 1 brain tumor in 2007 and had undergone surgery to remove the tumor. After 4 years in remission, she relapsed- this time with a stage 4 brain tumor. At the time, I didn't know what cancer was- all I knew was that my aunt was sick, we would be taking lots of trips to Houston, and I would get to see my (extended) family more. I remember the evenings spent playing with Vasu, Nila fai's youngest son, while the adults talked in hushed voices in the living room- naively unaware of the severity of the situation. Nila fai underwent chemotherapy and surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center. On October 18, 2012, Nila fai passed away. I cried for hours after her funeral, overwhelmed with sadness and frustration. What hurt the most was seeing my dad grieve his little sister. Her kindness and strength live on through the people she loved and inspired.

Texas 4000 for Cancer is an opportunity to embody UT's motto: "What Starts Here Changes the World." Through funding cancer research, we can increase survival rates and eventually create a future where defeating cancer is the norm- not the exception. Throughout my journey I hope to spread knowledge about preventive care, early detection, cancer research breakthroughs, and listen to and carry with me the stories of anyone who has been impacted by cancer.

Read more about Texas 4000 here!

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small! Your donation will go towards cancer research grants and cancer support services. Additionally, it will serve as a beacon of hope, reminding those fighting cancer that they are not alone.
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

If your company has a matching donation policy, please let me know, and I will work with you directly.

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me! I would be honored to ride for you or a loved one who has been affected by cancer; please reach out to me at rutvi2alaska@gmail.com.

To Alaska and back,

Rutvi