In 2003 I went for my very first mammogram.Less than a month later I was in surgery after being diagnosed with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma.

This was followed by 4 months of chemotherapy and 32 radiation treatments. Treatment done.....time to move on, so I thought.

Fast forward to 2004 when I accidentally stumbled upon a motorcycle ride called "Changing Gears" a once in a lifetime adventure for breast cancer survivors up the California coast. Well, I love to ride, I had breast cancer, sign me up sounds like fun! It wasn't until then that I starting healing wounds that I hadn't even realized were there. Accepting my "new" normal. Spending time with young women who understood. It was then that I realized that outside of my nursing career I didn't even know anyone else who had ever had breast cancer. What a difference peer support would have made in my life had it been available.

I'm now 5 years cancer free and getting ready for my sixth "adventure of a lifetime" spreading awareness to young women and making sure that no one is ever alone during cancer diagnosis and treatment has become a passion of mine. Last year Amazon Heart incorporated and received it's 510 (c) 3 status here in the US.

This year I will once again participate in Amazon Heart Thunder. The name has changed as the organization has evolved but the experience is just as powerful.

I am committed to raise no less than $1500.00 for Amazon Heart allowing them to continue to organize adventures for breast cancer survivors as well as lend support to organizations such as the Young Survival Coalition. Thanks to Amazon Heart's fund raising projects we were once again able to donate sponsorship for the 8th annual Conference for Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer.

I will once again be riding in memory of Laurie Graham and Janet "Just Jan" Downes. Two very dear friends of mine and beautiful souls who left us too soon. My angels riding with me.

I will be riding Laurie's  Softtail Deluxe that she loved so much and entrusted to me.
So please lend your support as I ride up the California Coast with the best club I "NEVER" wanted to join teaching women that there truly is a difference between simply being alive and Living!

Thanks in advance for helping me out!
Stacy

To read more about Laurie and Jan, click on
http://www.amazonheart.org/AHThunder/lauriegraham.htm
http://www.amazonheart.org/AHThunder/janetdownes.htm

 

To learn about the Young Survival Coalition and the important work they do, click on
www.youngsurvival.org