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I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2002 at the age of 35. Like many people (I later discovered), I treated my breast cancer as a “minor inconvenience”, thinking my life would return to “normal” as soon as I finished treatment. However, once I had healed from the physical trauma of surgery and chemotherapy, I quickly realized my biggest challenge was going to be working through the emotional impact of breast cancer. Honestly, I was a basket case. My life didn’t look the same as it did before. My priorities had completely changed. I couldn’t relate to my friends and family as I always had before. It seemed that my whole life had been turned upside down, “normal” no longer existed, and I had no idea what to do. I was fortunate enough to meet another young woman dealing with breast cancer, Meredith Campbell. We were both so relieved to meet another young woman who had already been through it that we soon became great friends and supported each other through some really difficult times. The experience of healing through friendship and peer support was so powerful for us, that we decided to work together to create programs to help bring other young women together. We founded Amazon Heart in February of 2004, and in our first year wrote and published a book about our experiences with breast cancer and organized the very first Changing Gears ride in California. Changing Gears 2004 was life-changing for me as well as so many of the amazing women who took part. I wasn’t even sure I could ride a motorcycle when we first started talking about the event, much less lead a group. But the community that formed over that week in October was powerful enough to overcome any challenge. I am so grateful for the experience and honored to be part of something so meaningful. In the three years since my diagnosis, I have dismantled and rebuilt my life as I want it to be, on my terms. I’ve never had more uncertainty in my life, nor have I ever felt so free and happy. Even the “bad days”, that still show up for no apparent reason, seem easier to get through. I am doing work that is meaningful to me, spending time with my family and people I truly love and enjoy, traveling, riding motorcycles and doing my best to live each day to the fullest. While it is sometimes hard for me to see past the hardships and difficulties that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, there have also been some very special gifts. I can see more clearly what is important to me and what I want my life to be like - full of love, fun, adventure and making a difference in the lives of others. Most importantly, I now have the courage to live that life...right now. Click Here to Donate Now!
"Cancer Fighting Crusader" "Harley Riders, Food Shoppers Helping in Fight Against Cancer" "Kylie: Tough Battle" "On Their Bikes for Breast Cancer" "Cancer Survivors Ride for Worthy Cause" "Changing Gears for Breast Cancer Funding: New Women's Motorcycle Ride Kicks off in San Diego" "Breast Cancer Survivor Organizes Fundraising Motorcycle Road Trip" “Sailor, Triathlete, Survivor”
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