Biking in Remembrance of Cancer Fighters

Anthony Edgington's sister, Carlie Raye, died at 6-years-old of neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks the kidneys. Many friends and family members of Edgington have fought cancer including his mother who had skin cancer. In remembrance of his sister, support for his mother and in support of others who also fight cancer, Edgington will bike from Texas to Alaska this summer. 

Edgington is a geosystems engineering and hydrogeology senior at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the volunteer chair and a rider for Texas 4000, an organization that spreads awareness for the fight against cancer. 

Edgington said his mom introduced him to Texas 4000 when he first arrived on campus, but he brushed the idea aside. However, during his freshman spring semester, Texas 4000 accepted Edgington’s first-year interest group mentor, Maria Krychniak, who has been a role model for Edgington at the university. Seeing Krychniak accepted to the program and go through training inspired Edgington to apply to Texas 4000 for the 2020 team. 

Edgington spent an entire month to finish his application. The application process is intense as it is meant to show how committed the applicant is, explained Edgington. 

Edgington’s first semester with Texas 4000 started in January 2019 and mostly consisted of volunteer work meant to help new members orient themselves to the program. The following fall semester, Edgington and the other riders in Texas 4000 would arrive for their 20 mile bike ride every Saturday at 6:45 a.m. There are additional practice rides bikers can sign up for to accommodate their schedules. 

They have continued their bike training this spring, and have passed their “half century” test ride, biking 50 miles in 5 hours. At the end of April, the riders will have a “century” test which requires them to ride 100 miles in 10 hours. 

Edgington waited until he was accepted into the organization in January 2019 to tell his parents of his plans to take a stand against cancer. 

His parents were not supportive of his decision at first because they worried it would take away time from his academics. So, Edgington dropped some of his other organizations to demonstrate his commitment to the cause. 

Now, his parents love talking about Texas 4000’s mission. To show their support, his parents and relatives have donated funds to support Edgington’s ride.  

Riding is Edgington’s opportunity to process his experience of loss. He rides to thank others that supported and cared for him and his family through some of the toughest times of their lives. 

“I was so young I didn't get to thank everyone who helped us,” Edgington said. “This ride is going to be an opportunity to get in contact with people I haven’t spoken to in years and return the favor by fighting this disease myself.”

There are three routes Texas 4000 offers: the Sierra Route, the Rockies Route and the Ozarks Route. Edgington will bike the Rockies Route, which follows the Rockies Mountains from Texas to Alaska passing through major cities and national parks including Dallas, Denver and Yellowstone National Park. In his application, Edgington requested the Rocky Mountains route because he is an avid camper and hiker, and the route goes through more national parks than the other two routes. 

The Sierra Route.

The Rockies Route, which Edgington will ride this summer.

The Ozarks Route.

Edgington said he has never road cycled before Texas 4000, and this is his first time participating in the program. 

“It's going to be an emotional toll on top of the physical toll that we'll be going through,” Edgington said. 

While at host homes, riders will hear countless cancer battle stories while also spreading the hope of the Texas 4000 mission. 

“I'm nervous about how I’ll handle hearing all of their stories day after day,” Edgington said. “It's a privilege to hear these people and advocate for them, but I'm worried for my own mental health.”  

He will, however, have fellow riders alongside him for support. Texas 4000 has provided an opportunity for Edgington to make long lasting friendships with other riders, specifically those who are on his route team. During the long miles and hours of practice rides, the riders bond over similar struggles and the experience they share in Texas 4000. 

“For many of us, it's like a capstone to our college experience,” Edgington said.

Edgington will depart in May and arrive in Alaska in August, where he will meet his family and friends at the finish line. He plans to vacation for a week following his arrival and visit some of Alaska’s National State Parks. 

Although there are many challenges and heavy burdens each rider bears, Edgington said there is so much he is excited for. 

“I'm just looking forward to riding down an empty country road on a sunny day with green grass, blue water and a lot of sun next to some of my best friends and doing it in the name of fighting cancer.”

Art by Carissa Georgelos