Hi! My name is Michelle Lee, and I’m so excited to be on the 2026 ride team for Texas 4000. In Summer 2026, I will be biking from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska in the fight against cancer. 

Why I Ride

I ride for my grandpa and my mom, who have both played significant roles in shaping me into the person I am today. 

From playing the viola in my middle school and high school orchestras, to being in an a cappella group throughout college, music has been a huge part of my life. I attribute my passion for music to my grandpa, who was a clarinetist, a music professor, and a conductor, and to my mom, who attained her Master's in Music Composition. 

After battling kidney cancer, my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and bone cancer in 2013. Although he is no longer with us anymore, my fond memories of us sharing our inside joke over the phone and of me attempting (and ultimately failing) to play his clarinet will last with me. 

My mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2020—fortunately, she had a successful mastectomy and is now undergoing maintenance therapy. My mom has been my #1 supporter in every aspect of my life, and I feel so grateful to have been able to see her health and strength grow over the past few years. 

My grandpa’s and my mom’s journeys with cancer showed me the importance of early detection and of having access to treatment. As I hope for treatment to become more affordable and accessible to all, I also ride for those impacted by cancer who do not have access to appropriate treatment due to socioeconomic barriers. 

How You Can Help

By supporting me on this journey, your donation can support the costs of my team’s ride to Alaska, along with benefiting cancer research and support services. Please consider donating or sharing my fundraising page to spread awareness of our cause!

If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and if you would like to share your story, please feel free to reach out to me at michellehlee@utexas.edu. I would be honored to dedicate my ride to your story. Thank you for your support and for joining me on this journey!

To Alaska and back,

Michelle