Elizabeth "Lizzie" Holmes Brisbane, Queensland Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2006, 2007 and 2009 Experienced Rider Click Here to Donate Now!

In 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which culminated in several months of treatment and a new outlook on life.

Breast cancer changed me but it doesn’t define me!

One of the decisions I made early on was that I wanted to be a positive role model for life after a cancer diagnosis. I decided that as part of my strategy to cope with a cancer diagnosis, I would become informed, not only about breast cancer and the treatment options, but also the wonderful support programs which are offered to both survivors and their supporters. I became a volunteer support person for the ‘Kim Walter’s Choices’ program at the Wesley Hospital and during 2006 completed training to become a Breast Cancer Support Service volunteer for the Queensland Cancer Fund. I have been honoured to speak to many women in the past two years and have had the privilege of helping them throughout the early days after diagnosis and during subsequent treatment, offering support by listening and sharing my experience of  breast cancer.

Like many women, I have found life after a cancer diagnosis to be a beneficial experience. I have been very fortunate that the initial treatments I had, have allowed me to move forward in good mental and physical health.

In November 2005, I became a member of Brisbane Dragon Boat team ‘Missabittatitti’ which paddles at local, State and National levels under the banner of Dragons Abreast Australia and as a member I have been privileged to take part in many regattas, including the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat regatta on Darling Harbour in Sydney and “Abreast in Australia”, the International Dragon Boat regatta for breast cancer survivors, which was held at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast in September 2007.

During a Missabittatitti ‘Come and try’ day, the riders from the Australian 2005 ‘Changing Gears’ ride stopped for a break at Colmslie Reserve on the Brisbane River. As a rider from way back, I was totally blown away by the sight and sound of these amazing women as they arrived on Harleys!

 I met both Megan and Meredith that day and was absolutely determined from that day on that I would be part of the 2006 ride.

I applied and was chosen as a rider for the 2006 Amazon Heart Thunder ride from Sydney to Brisbane and found it to be a life-changing experience. I met many people during the seven days we rode through N.S.W. and Queensland and was so encouraged by the impact which we made during that ride that I decided that I must continue to spread the dual message that younger women (under 50) are diagnosed with breast cancer every day and that breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. So, I applied and was accepted as a rider participant in the 2007 Australian ‘Amazon Heart Thunder’ ride from Melbourne to Adelaide in October 2008.

During the 2006 ride I made a vow that I would come home and sell my house if that’s what it took to make my Harley dream a reality! So, that is exactly what I did.

I took delivery of a 2007 Softail Deuce in August last year and have been smiling ever since! I will be riding her on the 2009 ride and I can’t wait.

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