Why I Ride

I always loved the way my mother’s eyes crinkled in a way that only develops after years of laughter. She was open-minded, kind, and described by her friends as a “ray of sunshine.” Watching her raise three children taught me the strength found in humility. I always admired her and was so proud to be her daughter.

In December 2017, I heard my mom crying and rushed downstairs. When I saw her face, I remember thinking I had never seen her look so shattered before. That was the day she told me she had been diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, and I learned how quickly and unfairly life could change from cancer.

The next two years were a whirlwind of hospital visits, treatments, and the constant anxiety over her declining health. Despite it all, I found solace in being by her side, spending time with her while I still could. My mom fought until her last breath, and in July 2019, she passed away at the age of 49.

Cancer takes from everyone. My mom did everything right, but a sudden diagnosis flipped her life upside down. She spent her whole life learning, working, and building a life for her family in a new, unfamiliar country. She just wanted to see me, her youngest child, graduate from high school so she could feel she had been there for me for all of my childhood years. In the end, she never got that chance. 

The pictures and videos I cling to don’t do her justice. Nothing can replace holding my mom, burying my face in her hair, or asking her for advice through any growing pains. What I can do is hold onto everything she taught me and carry it forward for the rest of my life.

These six years since her passing have taught me so much. I learned how resilient I am and how to take things one day at a time. I learned that grief doesn’t fade away in six years but instead ebbs and flows. 

Most importantly, what has stayed with me is the kindness and generosity of others. Friends delivered food, teachers and classmates lent an ear, and swapping stories about cancer and loss made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Every ounce of kindness gave me the strength to carry on for me and my family. By learning from others, I realized how powerful it is simply to show up for someone. That sharing and listening can make all the difference.

That’s why I joined Texas 4000. Next summer, I will be biking 4,000 miles from Austin, TX to Anchorage, AK with the 2026 ride team. Texas 4000 is the world’s longest annual charity bike ride and a nonprofit that has raised over $12 million for cancer research and support services. Through this ride, I want to spread hope for a world without cancer and to be part of the same support that I relied on so heavily years ago.

Through Texas 4000, I am honoring my mom by carrying her love and strength as I support others in the fight against cancer. With every mile, I will be growing, challenging myself, and becoming my own person. That is all she ever wanted for me.

Fighting against cancer is a cause I will be passionate about for the rest of my life, and I hope you will play a part in my journey.

If you believe in Texas 4000’s mission, please consider donating. Thank you!

To Alaska and back,
Kelly 

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!