Two Southlake Carroll alums are making a difference in the fight against cancer by jumping on their bikes. Lizzey Hill and Grant McFarlin are participating in this year's Texas 4000, the longest annual charity bike ride in the world.
The route stretches for more than 4,000 miles – running from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska – and strives to bring University of Texas student leaders together to bring about hope, knowledge and charity for those touched by cancer.
So for the past 18 months, Lizzey and Grant have been enrolled in an extensive program that has included training physically, participating in the Texas 4000 leadership program and serving the local community through their participation with the organization.
The Texas 4000 is a selective student program that only accepts a few applicants per face to venture on this extensive journey. But, by the end, they have not only accomplished a great physical challenge but also developed leadership skills and brought awareness about an important issue to people across the country. And the event has raised more than $7.2 million for the fight against cancer to date.
They took off on Saturday, June 2 from Lampasas, Texas. And now, they are still well on their way on their 70-day journey. They were able to, however, check in with their families on Monday when they rode through Dallas. It was the third leg of their route stretching up the Rocky Mountains.
Incoming UT junior and 2016 Carroll grad Grant was inspired to participate in the Texas 4000 because of his family's experience with living through cancer. His grandmother has “won two battles with cancer and is living strong today on the same by the grace of God.”
“Cancer has had such a profound effect on me and many of my loved ones that I ride to give back to those who have had to go through such a tough experience.” Grant wrote on his biker page on the website.
While incoming UT senior and 2015 Carroll grad Lizzey has never personally been touched by the effects of cancer, she wanted to ride for those who could not ride for themselves.
“I know the only way this disease will be cured is if we all have a passion for eradication,” Lizzey wrote on her biker page on the website. “I want to tell the stories of the fighters, the survivors, their supporters, and everyone else who cares to find a cure.”
The two, along with the other 17 students on their Rockies route, are set to peddle into Anchorage on August 10. Before then, they will hit stops in cities like Denver, St. Lake City and Prince George, British Columbia. You can follow their race and send these awesome Dragons some encouragement through the Texas 4000 website.