Rider Profile

About 2.0 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States this year alone, according to the NIH. Each of those people have a story.

I have decided to participate in BellRinger on behalf of my loved ones that have had their lives changed or lost due to this disease. I hope to share their stories and why I will be riding in honor of them. Every person has a story, and cancer doesn't have to have the last word.

In 2014, my cousin Stevie was diagnosed with late stage colon cancer. He was in his early thirties. My cousin was full of life and there was never a dull moment when he entered the room. He was known as "Becho," by his friends and cousins. He never failed to make me belly laugh and make any sad moment brighter with his silly and playful attitude. He lost his battle in May of 2015.

In 2015, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 0 Breast Cancer during my freshman year of High School. Thanks to our access to preventative resources and an incredible Medical Center in Houston, Texas, my mother received a double mastectomy and has since remained cancer free. However, I will never forget the moment I heard the words "I have cancer," come out of my mother's mouth.

In 2017, my best friend's mother, Leah, was diagnosed with late stage Bladder Cancer. Several months later in May 2017, she lost her battle. She was a strong and fierce woman who's legacy lives on in her daughter who has become one of the most resilient people I know. Leah loved red wine, talking politics and encouraging my best friend and I to be fearless female leaders who could make a difference.

In 2021, my Tío Roy was diagnosed with late stage Esophageal Cancer. He moved in with our family from south Texas for a brief period and eventually moved to Houston as he continued to receive care from MD Anderson. My Tío loved dancing, singing with his brothers and playing the guitar. Throughout his treatment, he remained a ray of sunshine and his laughter continued to roar throughout our home every time he came over. He lost his battle in May of 2022.

My Grandma Susan was diagnosed with late stage Ovarian cancer in 1994. From what I have heard from the stories my father has shared, she was a brilliant woman who marched for women's rights, loved her three sons with her entire being, and led a beautiful life with the biggest smile on her face. She was a teacher, an artist, and a loving mother and wife. She lost her battle in 1996.

I am riding for Stevie, my mom, Leah, my Tío Roy and my Grandma Susan. Cancer has stolen years from some of the people I have loved the most. Cancer has stolen moments we could have spent singing, dancing and laughing. However, through these losses I have learned how important it is to treasure every moment we have with our loved ones and to spread awareness in the value of seeking preventative care.

BellRinger is a bike ride and a year-round effort to end cancer. Our movement is motivated by a community of Riders, Virtual Riders, volunteers, and donors working together to further our impact. I've made a commitment to fundraising, and I invite you to join me by donating to my effort and supporting life-saving cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.