Marie Fox Sydney, N.S.W. Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2005 and 2007, U.S. 2004 Experienced Rider   Aus Donors: Click Here to Donate Now! Other Donors: Click Here to Donate Now!

I had just turned 42 when I was diagnosed with a grade 3 tumour – three days before Christmas in 2000! A whirlwind of decisions and emotions followed, and then chemotherapy and radiation. But thankfully, the ‘life is too short’ philosophy kicked in big time. The first thing I wanted to conquer was to learn how to ride a motorbike – and I did (and passed first time too!)

Of course, getting breast cancer was a total shock, but a lot of very good things have happened to me as a result of the experience. One of the most amazing was participating in the first Amazon Heart Ride in California in October 2004. But more about that later.

I have since learnt a lot about myself, and the priorities of life. It was scary at times, but I decided to take an active part in getting well. I did a lot of research and I believe this optimised my treatment regime. I had always had an interest in natural therapies, so immersed myself more deeply in naturopathy, acupuncture, diet and meditation, which helped my mind and body cope with the chemotherapy and radiation, and with the reality of cancer.

I changed my attitude about a lot of things that I once thought were important. I now work just 3 days a week, and mostly spend the other 4 days in the country at a place called Kangaroo Valley. Life is simpler in a lot of ways, and I’m more focused on being in the moment, and taking advantage of life and opportunities.

The first Amazon Heart event was a motorcycle ride up the west coast of the USA in 2004. It was, without doubt, one of the best experiences I have had for many years. To have found a group of crazy, wonderful, like-minded women, sharing the experience of breast cancer, raising funds and awareness, and having a love of motorcycling, was amazing! I felt so privileged to have been a part of the first Amazon Heart event, and so alive to be taking part in this event. At times it was scary and confronting, but we were there for each other, and that is why the Amazon Heart events are so important.

In 2005 I took part in the first Australian Amazon Heart event – a motorcycle ride from Sydney to Brisbane. Then in December 2005, I joined the Amazon Heart Odyssey building houses for the poor in Sri Lanka. This experience moved me deeply, and yet again proved that life is not about the cancer, but how we all live life.

So, almost 2 years further along, I’m really pleased to be a part of Amazon Heart Thunder (Down Under) 2007, reaching out to other cancer survivors with a message of hope.

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