Tia Bruno North Hollywood, California United States Amazon Heart Thunder United States 2005, 2006 and 2007 Experienced Rider Click Here to Donate Now!

Hey everyone!! Thanks for checking out my page!! I grew up in Milwaukee Wisconsin so riding a Harley Davidson is in my blood. When learned about some all women breast cancer ride on Harley’s, I simply HAD to apply! I first applied 3 years ago, but for some reason, my application never was received and I didn’t make the first year’s ride. But, I didn’t give up, I applied again next year. Well, everything sure does happen for a reason, cuz my first Amazon Heart Ride in 2005 was an experience that really did change my life!! It truly lived up to their slogan of “An Adventure of a Lifetime”.

I meet the most amazing women, developed true friendships, and gained the peace of knowing that no matter what happens in my life, I will NEVER have to be alone. Which was a struggle when I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2002. I was 30 years old. I had stage 3 breast cancer and was about to undergo a mastectomy, aggressive chemo, numerous reconstruction surgeries…UUUGGGHHH!! I tried attending support groups to surround myself with people who I could relate to, but many were older woman with different problems and concerns. Until I met the incredible woman from the Amazon Heart Adventure, “Changing Gears 2005”.

They helped me realize I was NOT alone. There WERE other women in this world with the same issues and concerns as me. Not to mention after my “cancer cloud” cleared, I began to really understand what’s important in life…LIVING IT!!! That is why I choose to be an active participant in this adventure every year. Not only does it promote awareness of breast cancer in young women (what a scene 20 + women is roaring down the road on Harley’s) it also provides emotional support, and most importantly, hope, for all of us living with cancer.

Amazon Heart also provides support by raising monies for other organizations such as the Young Survival Coalition, which is another wonderful resource for young people living with cancer. They have an online support group, many teleconferences regarding new medical research and developments, and a super-cool annual conference that I continually attend!! They also provide scholarships for many financially challenged people (like myself!). For more information visit: www.youngsurvival.org

This year’s ride is especially meaningful to me. I’m dedicating it to one of my Amazon Heart sista’ named Janet aka Just Jan (JJ) Downes.

A remarkable, strong woman whom I love and miss deeply. She fought the cancer battle…hard. She kicked its butt for many, many years and went down swinging hard leaving her own bruises on it!! She has now crossed, and I will forever live in her words, “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey…ENJOY THE RIDE!!” Please take a moment to read about her, she ROCKS!!

http://www.amazonheart.org/AHThunder/janetdownes.htm

http://www.realdivasride.com/month-sept_05.htm

http://www.realdivasride.com/FAC/survivors.htm

I’m determined to raise as much money as I can to help prevent any other women from losing this battle. Prevent any other sista’s, mothers, aunts, nieces, grandmas, daughters, and friends from hearing the words, “You’ve got cancer”. Every 3 minutes another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. I know the feeling after diagnosis; there are too many minutes in a day, a year and a lifetime. Please help prevent any others from experiencing that feeling.

Thanks so much for your generosity. Live well and HAPPY,

Tia aka Flash

xoox

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