My name is Akhila Rayasam, and I am honored to be a part of Texas 4000’s 2027 Ride Team. During my time at the University of Texas at Austin, I have become deeply passionate about disability advocacy through my involvement with Lifelong Learning with Friends, a nonprofit organization that provides postsecondary education to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Through this organization, I have found a beautiful and inspiring community of individuals whom I learn from every day.

It was also during this time that I became aware of how cancer disproportionately affects the disability community. Individuals with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing childhood leukemias, and people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to receive late-stage cancer diagnoses due to insufficient early screening and access to care. It was devastating to see how a community already facing systemic discrimination and social inequities is further impacted by cancer at higher rates than neurotypical and able-bodied populations.

My purpose through Texas 4000 is to raise awareness of cancer within the disability community and advocate for more equitable access to cancer healthcare for the IDD population. I ride to fight for this loving, diverse, and incredible community.

To support Texas 4000's fight against cancer, you can:

• 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!

Your support means the world to me!

To Alaska and Back!

Akhila