Jo Trace Ormeau, Queensland Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2007 and 2009 Experienced Rider   Click Here to Donate Now!

Hi, I’m Jo (aka LadySnake) and I’m a Breast Cancer Survivor

In July 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I will never ever forget the shock and that feeling of total numbness as those words rolled off my Doctor’s tongue.  Then, the roller coaster ride of my breast cancer journey began.  Everything happened so fast and I was caught up in a horrible whirlwind.  It’s really scary how one minute your life is just cruising along and the next it’s in instant turmoil.   However, after two bouts of surgery and an intensive regime of chemotherapy, here I am, two and a half years down the track, with a whole new outlook on life and about to embark on my second Amazon Heart Adventure.

I first heard about Amazon Heart from my friend and work mate, Lizzie Holmes when she was embarking on her first Amazon Heart Thunder ride in October 2006 at which time I was in the midst of chemotherapy treatment and feeling pretty lousy with no hair and not much self esteem.  I can remember thinking what a great experience for these women, riding Harley Davidson’s across the country, raising funds & awareness for breast cancer and I never dreamt for a minute that one day I would be doing it. 

Then in May 2007, when I was back at work sporting some new curly locks and feeling much stronger, an ad appeared on the Amazon Heart website for the AHT07 ride from Melbourne to Adelaide (my home town) along the Great Ocean Road……and I knew I just had to go......and I did.
I hadn’t ridden a motorbike for 25yrs so this ride challenged me and took me out of my comfort zone at times but most of all it gave me a sense of achievement and mental healing.   And you know what, somewhere along that 2000km journey, I found a little part of my self esteem and I have been holding on to it ever since. 

In May 2009,  I am proudly participating in the Amazon Heart Thunder ride from Brisbane to Sydney with 41 other women, all breast cancer survivors. I’m not only riding for myself, but for every family that has been and will be, touched by breast cancer.  If my participation in this ride raises enough awareness & funds to save even one woman (or man – yes men can get breast cancer too), then I will be thankful.   Support networks like Amazon Heart offer education, strength and inspiration to women living with breast cancer and really help to keep you strong both physically and mentally.   

I have an amazing husband, who has been there for me from day one and taken every step with me and always makes sure he gives me a reason to smile. I love you John.
I have a wonderful family & beautiful friends who all encourage and support me always.  Without each and every one of you my journey would be much harder.  Thank you.
I am looking forward to meeting my AHT09  Sista’s, forming new friendships and rekindling old and to sharing stories and experiences because no-one really knows where you’ve been until they have walked in your shoes!

Your donation to support my participation in Amazon Heart Thunder 09 will help the thousands of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year to access the support they need.

PLEASE  HELP  ME  TO  MAKE  A  DIFFERENCE

Click Here to Donate Now!