I am excited beyond words for this 2009 journey.

I am a true believer of Early Detection.... and I believe everything happens for a reason....

In Feb 2005 I embarked on a four day ski trip with friends to Colorado that ended with a torn right ACL, bilateral torn medial ligaments and no Health Insurance. A co-worker suggested I try applying for benefits with the VA (since I am a veteran). I applied and a wellness check was part of the work-up. I had a mammogram in June 2005 and microcalcifications were found in the outer quad of my right breast. I had a core needle biopsy and was later diagnosis with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. The microcalcifications were cancer cells and they tested positive for HER2 and were homone receptive.  I then had a lumpectomy  followed by 7 weeks of radiation. 

Fear is fear and after going through this, my passion is to educate others, to bring about awareness of this sometimes deadly disease and help those in need. Breast cancer has no boundaries, it affects the rich, the poor, it does not care what color you are, if you are a man or woman, young or old,  or if you have insurance or not and if not caught early, it can be deadly. After being active in the breast cancer community, I personally know several women who have lost their battle with this monster. It affects everyone...

Knowledge truly is empowerment and in most cases early detection is the key, so until there is a cure, education, self checks and mammograms are our main line of defenses against this dreadful disease. Early detection does save life's......I can't imagine where I would be if I had not had a mammogram.

There are currently more than 2.4 million women in this country who are living with breast cancer, and more than 240,000 women will be diagnosed this year alone. One in seven American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. (Stand in a crowd and look around.) Breast cancer can be an emotionally devastating and isolating illness and support programs like Amazon Heart and their partners are essential to women’s recovery. I want to support this and I feel strongly that my ride will truly be making a difference.

And a special thank you for the tremendous support from:
Fort Thunder Harley Davidson www.bryanharleydavidson.com You are the best!!!

And News Line 9 in OKC for helping me spread  Awareness!!

Michele Baker