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Donna Hansen Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, Australia   Changing Gears US 2004 Australia 2005 Experienced Rider

My name is Donna Hansen. I am 46 years old and I’m a breast cancer survivor. I was born and raised in country Victoria. As an active and social person I participated in all sorts of sporting events, including horse riding, motorcycling and golf. One of my favourite past times was tearing around the town on my favourite motorbike. When it was time to spread my wings I put away my pride and joy (my motorbike) and hit the road travelling around Australia.

Most of the time I worked in jobs that were very physically demanding but the experience gave me the opportunity to meet some fantastic people along the way. Once I settled back into city life in Melbourne I was fortunate enough to get a job that enabled me to get paid for riding my bike, delivering mail as a Postie for Australia Post.

Then one day, five years ago, I got the call that changed my life. I was diagnosed at 40 with breast cancer. It was like a bolt of lightning so intense my life stood still. Since that time I have had three operations resulting in a full mastectomy.

Whilst this was an incredibly difficult period of my life, I was fortunate enough to have the support of my family, friends and work colleagues. With the discovery of how many people in my life really cared for me I could then deal with this much better. The overwhelming support that I received really helped me get back into living life again.

I have now returned to the things that I love doing and the people I love spending time with. I’m now an active member of a women’s motorcycle club, a regular camper, getting back to the country as often as I can, travelling, hanging out and just enjoying the companionship of family and friends.

In 2004 I applied and was selected to ride in the Changing Gears motorcycle adventure in the USA, a ride which comprised of women from all walks of life coming together to raise community awareness of breast cancer and to raise money for breast cancer research and education. This ride took us all along the beautiful Californian coastline of America, and gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet a whole new group of friends who had shared similar experiences as breast cancer survivors. An experience that truly gave me new found confidence.

The 2005 Australian Sydney to Brisbane ride for women breast cancer survivors is another great opportunity to spread the word that there is life after surviving breast cancer, as well as raising money for research and ducation. Being able to share our collective experience with others is a great healing force, not only for the person sharing their experience, but also for the other person who greatly needs hope. As a breast cancer survivor, I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, that this is a much easier journey when it is shared.

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Donna in the News

"Harley Ride to Raise Cash For Breast Cancer"
Werribee Banner, October 2004

"Donna's Big Ride to Aid Cancer Charities"
Werribee Banner, September 21, 2004