My grandma has always been one of the most impactful and influential people in my life. I used to see her every summer, but once I got to high school, our annual visits came to an end and turned into just a few FaceTimes each year. Even though I haven’t visited her in a couple of years, memories of her selflessness have stuck with me. Despite her numerous health problems, she continued to care for an extended family on her own and refused help from others, claiming that she was capable of doing physically demanding tasks. However, at night, I would sometimes find her up after everyone else had gone to sleep, wrapping braces around her knees and applying ointments on her surgery scars. She was suffering silently, but no matter how many doctors she visited or how many different treatments she tried, the pain persisted and continues to this day. Seeing her not receive the help she deserved hurts me more than anything. I want to join Texas 4000 to help create a future where those who are affected by cancer won’t have to experience this same feeling. While no one in my immediate family has been diagnosed with cancer, I ride for those who have been impacted and whose stories I cannot imagine experiencing. I ride for the relatives of my family friends, whether these are grandparents, parents, or children. I ride for the campers my sister was a counselor for at Camp Kesem whose lives were changed by cancer from a young age. Although I couldn’t help my grandma with her specific struggles, I want to help those who have battled or are battling cancer in order to create a cancer-free future.