Hi, my name is Cristina Castilla, and I am honored to be part of Texas 4000 for Cancer. I’m a junior at UT Austin, majoring in biochemistry and on the pre-med track, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician. My passion for medicine is deeply tied to my background as a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrants. Growing up, I saw how hard it can be for families, especially those from minority and low-income communities, to access the care they need. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to treatment too often does. That’s why this journey means so much to me.

Biking 4,000 miles from Austin to Alaska is more than just a physical challenge, it’s a commitment to fighting for those impacted by cancer, for the fighters, the survivors, and the ones we’ve had to say goodbye to. It’s for the families who struggle to navigate a healthcare system that wasn’t built for them. It’s for the children whose futures are rewritten by a diagnosis they never saw coming. I ride to honor them, to advocate for better access to care, and to bring hope where it’s needed most.

But this mission isn’t possible without support. Texas 4000 raises funds to support cancer prevention, patient support services, and organizations dedicated to improving cancer care. Your donation helps bring hope, resources, and critical aid to those facing cancer. It’s a step toward a future where no one has to fight this disease alone, and where every person, regardless of background, has a fair chance at treatment and survival.

Thank you for believing in this cause with me. Let’s fight together.