Lisa Williamson Mount Airy, Maryland United States Amazon Heart Thunder United States 2008, 2009 and Australia 2009 Experienced Rider Click Here to Donate Now!

In the spring of 2004, I decided at the age of 38 I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle.  Well, I’d always wanted to learn, it was just that I was finally able to afford it.  My best friend and I took a motorcycle safety course and I fell in love with riding.  So, we both started looking for used bikes and I found my Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic.  At first I was a bit freaked out about it being an 800 since we rode 250s in the class.  But, the second I sat on it, I said “She’s mine!”

I enjoyed riding so much that in the summer it became my preferred method of transportation to and from work.  The ride took an hour one-way and was through some beautiful back roads with horse farms and other farmland.  No matter how bad my day was my ride home always put me in a great mood.

Flash forward to December 2006 when I found the lump that would change everything about my life.  Even though both my primary care physician and the surgeon she referred me to said that I was “young” for breast cancer and it was probably nothing, I was officially diagnosed in January 2007 with infiltrating ductal carcinoma.  Breast cancer.  Happy New Year.

Prior to my diagnosis, I never thought about breast cancer much more than to write a check or buy that specially marked package that says part of the proceeds will be donated for breast cancer research.   There was no history of it in my family and I was “young”.

It was determined that I was ER/PR negative and HER2 negative.  In addition, it had spread to one of my lymph nodes under my arm.  So, I spent most of 2007 having surgery, getting chemo and going through radiation.  With the love and support of my amazing circle of friends and family (not to mention my dog, Tasha, who made sure I got at least one good walk in every day), I got through everything none the worse for wear.  And I have to tell you, having lived through 17 summers in DC, it was kinda nice being bald!

After I told my friends, a couple of them asked me if I was angry.  I said “no” because in a way, as clichéd as this sounds, it made me appreciate what I had just a little bit more.  I have amazing friends who pretty much dropped everything to make sure I had someone to talk to if I needed it, something to eat when I wanted it and a ride to wherever I needed to go when I couldn’t drive.  I have a great job with an understanding boss and excellent insurance.  I know I am far luckier than some women who find themselves in my position.  Because of the support around me, I was able to stay positive and focus all of my energy and attention to the task of getting healthy and back to my life.

In February 2007, I attended the Young Survivors Coalition Conference in Crystal City, VA – about 40 minutes from where I lived.  I saw the Amazon Heart booth and learned about Amazon Thunder and made it my goal to participate as soon as I was back in the saddle, so to speak.

So, it is to all of the people who shared my journey I dedicate this ride.  If not for them I truly believe I would not be here to even think about doing this.

Thank you for any donation you are able to make to help other women fight this disease. 

Click Here to Donate Now!