Karen Henderson Brisbane, QLD Australia Amazon Heart Thunder US and Australia 2006 Rider

That’s me in the pic with my nephew sitting on KC, my gorgeous Yamaha XVS650.

When I was diagnosed in 2001 I was 27 years old & I felt very isolated as I had not met anyone my age affected by Breast Cancer. Any time I was at the hospital I was constantly asked if I was there to support my mother whilst she was in for treatment, other women were astounded to hear my response, I was actually being supported by my mother.

I'd like to help get the message out there that Breast Cancer affects women from all walks of life, regardless of their age and that early detection and examinations can help. I would also love to interact with others who have survived and find out how or if it has turned their lives around like it did mine.

Soon after I recovered from all my treatment I took on the attitude that life is too short not to get out there and enjoy it to its fullest. I went against all my parents’ wishes and secretly went and bought a motorbike, then got some lessons and now ride my bike all the time. I enjoy the freedom of riding and often wonder if I wasn’t diagnosed with cancer would I have still gone out there and experienced the adventures there are to find on two wheels. Amazon Heart Thunder combines two of my passions, riding and raising awareness of breast cancer.

I have been riding with WIMA in Brisbane for nearly 2 years, I joined late in 2004. When I heard their charity ride was in support of Breast Cancer I was amazed that there was a group of women wanting to raise money for a cause close to my heart, I was definitely going to join in. Unfortunately timing in 2004 didn't suit but in 2005 I got as involved in the ride as I could. I was Tail-end Charlie for the day and even got up and spoke to the crowd and for the first time spoke to anyone and everyone about what I had gone through. I think this was the first time I called myself a survivor; it was definitely a day of highs and lows. It was on this day that I found out what Amazon Heart Thunder was all about as the girls joined our ride for the final day of their Australian adventure.

This year I am chairing the organising committee for WIMA’s Pink Ribbon Ride, happening on October 29 th in Brisbane. I can’t wait to join other survivors on the ride in their quest to raise awareness of Breast Cancer both in the US and here in Australia. I am looking forward to riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle and seeing the sites of the Californian coast, this will be my first visit to the US. I haven’t even been to Sydney on a bike before so I’m sure we will head out along a lot of roads where I will see things for the first time.

Life is full of first’s … I feel you need to make the most of each and every day and take all the chances you can as you only live once.

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