By Rosch Wadera
Every year in June, a group of roughly 50 University of Texas students embark on a journey that affects the lives of millions suffering from cancer. Starting from the UT Tower on campus and ending in Anchorage, Alaska, the Texas 4000 is undoubtedly the longest annual charity ride in the world today. Having raised more than $3 million for cancer research, the bicycle trek serves as a true testament to the Longhorn saying, “What starts here changes the world.”
Photo by Shiyam Galyon
UT mathematics student Alanna Iverson, one of the riders for the June 2011 trek, explained that she was specifically attracted to the event’s mission: fighting cancer by sharing hope, knowledge and charity. Riders must raise $1 for each mile they will ride from Austin to Anchorage. With the total length of the journey at approximately 4,600 miles, and each year averaging about 50 riders, the organization raises at least $200,000 every year. In 2010, $400,000 was collected for the cause. In accordance with their mission, the riders host various programs in the local communities along their routes to educate people about cancer prevention and to spread hope. So far, sophomore Iverson has raised $3,250. Much of this money was raised through what the riders call “lettering.” They write letters to anyone and everyone they know, asking for help to fight cancer. “People I hadn’t talked to since I was nine years old, who I least expected to reply sent back thousands of dollars,” Iverson said of her fundraising efforts.
Training for the ride is extensive. There are a certain number of miles they must ride each week, and an overall number of miles they must surpass before they begin the actual journey. Contrary to popular belief, recruitment for the ride has very little to do with physical ability, and everything to do with passion. An applicant’s passion is given the most weight because, as 2011 rider Adam Laurenzo explained, “With enough passion, anything can be achieved.” In fact, one of the 2011 riders didn’t even know how to ride a bike prior to recruitment, Laurenzo said. The passion of the riders is indeed relentless, as it leads them through all types of terrain and weather, which can range from 32 to 120 degrees. In addition, the riders split into two different routes. One route runs along the Pacific coast, while the other treks through the Rocky Mountains. The purpose of dual routes is to expand the number of communities in which they can spread their message.
Three of the riders last year were personally affected by cancer, and most of the riders have a loved one — or had one — affected by the disease. Iverson’s grandfather and aunt both suffered from cancer, so she chose to ride with that as her primary motivation. The same motivation fueled her father Brent Iverson, Ph.D., chair of UT’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, to conduct groundbreaking cancer research. A graduate of Stanford and Caltech, Dr. Iverson and his team are investigating a molecule that binds to a cell’s DNA and has undeniable potential for cancer treatment. However, Dr. Iverson is quick to remind people that no matter how much his team has achieved in their research, there still remains much to be done. When asked how he never loses faith in his research despite the years of trial and error, Dr. Iverson replied, “Once the passion gets in you, you never let it go. You never know when you’re going to be headed toward a breakthrough and that alone is truly satisfying.” In the end, it’s about my students as well as the research, he continued.
“I see myself as a catalyst toward their education. The most important thing for students to know is that they too can get involved,” Dr. Iverson said.
Dr. Iverson became familiar with Texas 4000 through one of his students, Matt Harting, who participated in the ride. In 2009, Dr. Iverson gave a keynote speech to the American Cancer Society where he was specifically impressed by the amount of money raised by the Texas 4000, showing the difference one motivated organization can make.
The Iversons and the members of the Texas 4000 are the type of people who are producing change in the world today. They serve as evidence that with enough passion anything can be achieved.
The only question remaining is: What are you fighting for?