Dear Matthew,
Hey Matthew, my name is Dylan Beam and I just finished my first year studying Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University. I am in complete awe of what you guys are all accomplishing this summer. I am from Oregon, so I fly about 2500 miles pretty regularly to and from college and I couldn’t imagine riding a bike that far, much less the 4000 miles that you are all biking this summer.
Everyone’s life has been touched by cancer at one point or another–mine was touched when a close family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer–but I could not imagine what it is like to have one of my parents afflicted by this horrific ailment. It’s inspiring to me that you have taken on the journey to raise funds and awareness for cancer by participating in Texas 4000.
I have been interested in research because of the intellectual stimulation it provides, but through this connection to Texas 4000 I have gained better insight on the impact that research can have on individuals. I remember back to how when I was a kid and everyone wanted to be a hero. This program has helped me to understand that heroes come in all types.
You are a hero, just like every other member of Texas 4000 and everyone else dedicating their life to fighting cancer.
I’ve lived my whole life on the west coast between visiting my family in the San Francisco Bay Area and living in Oregon. It’s a beautiful area and I hope you enjoy your journey through the west.
Sincerely,
Dylan Beam, The Ohio State University
Matthew Schneider is a UT Austin student studying Computer Science and currently riding to Alaska on the Sierra team.
