Donna Buchalter Ventura, California United States Amazon Heart Thunder United States 2009 Experienced Rider Click Here to Donate Now!

In January, 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although my reaction was quiet shock, I would have been more surprised if the verdict had been benign. Somehow you just know that something is not right. In the shower one morning I noticed a “dent” in my left breast. I had read somewhere that that was a problem so I looked up the date of my last mammogram and realized that it had been 18 months, so I called immediately for an appointment. The first mammogram led to a second , an ultra-sound and then a biopsy. I was fortunate to have caught it early enough to have a lumpectomy, however, the cancer had spread to one lymph node and the follow-up treatment included chemotherapy and radiation. Although I am extremely grateful to be among the Survivors (I celebrated my first year on March 4th, 2009) this is not a club or group you ever want to join! There is always a bright side though and without my cancer journey I would never have had the opportunity to appreciate life so much, understand the depth of the love and support of family, friends, business associates and other survivors. I don’t have enough words to express my appreciation. Somehow, thank you is never quite enough.

Some may not know, that at age 62 I decided to get my motorcycle license and ride my own Harley Davidson. My husband has had a bike since long before we were married and I rode on the back and enjoyed it, but after being involved in the Ventura Harley Owners’ Group (HOG Chapter) and the Ladies of Harley, I decided to take a safety course just to see if I wanted to ride my own bike. Well, I do love riding my own “Black Beauty” and although I have a full face helmet and you can’t see it, for most of my exhilarating adventures I am smiling all of the way. Last year the idea that I might be able to ride with a group of survivors on a motorcycle adventure really kept me on a good path to recovery. I had met these amazing ladies 3 years in a row as they rode through Ventura on their way north. I never could have imagined that someday soon I would be eligible to join them. I am going to ride with at least 27 other women from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and all over the US from October 1st thru 10th as we journey north from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The group is Amazon Heart , which runs support programs for breast cancer survivors in partnership with leading breast cancer agencies around the world. Over the course of 10 days, we will raise awareness of the diverse needs of women living with breast cancer, challenge media stereotypes, raise funds and continue along our own personal paths of growth and healing by building a supportive community with fellow survivors. For me, this is truly an adventure of a lifetime and I can’t wait!

My personal fund raising goal is $5,000. I invite you to donate towards my participation in Amazon Heart Thunder by clicking the donate now link below.

Thank you for your continued love and support. I hope you will follow along on my journey as I try to update every few days of the trip, and ladies PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!

With love and joy,
Donna

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