August 29th, 2012 
Celebrating the return of their loved ones, friends and family members gathered at the Four Season Hotel on August 25, to celebrate the ninth anniversary of the LIVESTRONG Texas 4000 Ride for Cancer.
(Photo Credit: Kathryn Flowers)
At the 7th Annual Texas 4000 Tribute Gala, the 2012 Texas 4000 riders were introduced and were able to share a little bit about their experience. The night reiterated the three pillars of the organization: hope, knowledge, and charity.
Texas 4000 is a service organization at the University of Texas at Austin, that makes an annual bike ride to Anchorage, Alaska for cancer. Along the way, they raise awareness, share knowledge and spread hope to the communities they visit.
UT Alumna Rachael Gaydos only had one word to describe the ride. Amazing. She enjoyed riding through the beautiful national parks along the way. Her brother also completed the ride in 2010 and both siblings rode for their dad.
After the riders were introduced, there was a tribute video for Ruel Bobet. Even though Ruel passed away from stomach cancer in February, his fellow participants could feel their teammate with them throughout the ride. They scattered his ashes once they reached Alaska in effect completing his journey. As the video played, you could see the riders tearing up showing the impact Ruel had on them.
(Photo Credit: Kathryn Flowers)
The 2012 riders were able to raise more than $230,000 for cancer, and they rode more than 231,000 miles. In total, Texas 4000 has raised more than $3.5 million for cancer research.
Andy Miller, LIVSTRONG‘s Executive Vice President of Operations, commended the team for their impressive commitment and work ethic. He also noted that no team provides more inspiration than the Texas 4000 team.
The night was one of remembrance, celebration and served as a fundraiser for the 2013 class. It included a silent and live auction, as well as a performance by Jack Ingram.
Texas 4000 is growing, and this is indicated in the 2013 ride. Preparations are already underway for a new route, the Ozarks. By allowing more Longhorns taking part in the ride, Texas 4000 will be able to share their message with more people.
The gala reminds us that it doesn’t just take one, it takes all of us to win this battle against cancer.
(Photo Credit: Kathryn Flowers)
