Nerissa and the Funky Pirate at the MS Walk earlier this year
Where do work and what do you do? I work at Valero in the FAS 109 income tax accounting group - Yes, I am a tax nerd. I am married and have 2 boys, 11 and 13 years old.
When did you start riding? February 2008
What made you want to join Velo Valero and ride the Tour de Cure? I volunteered at the MS150 in Beeville last year and it seemed like so much fun. I saw all kinds of people doing the MS150 - all shapes and sizes so I knew I could do it, too. I think Velo Valero is an awesome group of individuals who have set a great example of how a team can come together in the name of MS and Diabetes and truly make a difference.
I also have a new reason to ride in the TDC. My cousin, Bobby, is 24 years old, has Down Syndrome and is also a cancer survivor. I have a Relay for Life team for him and we celebrate his survival as his journey was particularly hard. He was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes over Easter weekend. He almost fell into a diabetic coma as he had only begun to exhibit the symptoms of a diabetic a short time before - he was waiting to get in to see the doc this week. The doctors consider it a miracle that he's still alive as his sugars were off the charts when he was taken to the hospital. My TDC ride will be dedicated to him this year!
How much training are you doing? Right now, I'm aiming for a Wednesday evening ride and a long ride on the weekend. I also do the spin and brick classes at the gym during lunch. My training time is pretty limited because my kids have a crazy schedule during the week.
Glad to have you on the team, Nerissa, and see ya' on the road!
Approaching the finish line during the Cool Cats Tour de Cure training ride