Elizabeth "Lizzie" Holmes Shailer Park, QLD Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2006 Rider

My name is Lizzie and in 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer which culminated in several months of treatment and a new outlook on life.

Breast cancer changed me but it doesn’t define me!

One of the things which I was determined to do when I was well again was to be a positive role model for life after a cancer diagnosis. I decided that as part of my strategy to cope with this diagnosis, I would become informed, not only about this insidious disease and the treatment options, but also the wonderful support programs which are offered to both survivors and their supporters. I became a volunteer support person for the ‘Kim Walter’s Choices Program’ and during July will commence training to become a Breast Cancer Support Service volunteer for the Queensland Cancer Fund. I am passionate about helping women throughout the early days after diagnosis and during subsequent treatment, offering support by listening and sharing my experience of the breast cancer ‘journey’.

I also received wonderful support and relevant information from ‘Breast Cancer Network Australia’ (BCNA), and while reading one of their newsletters was inspired when I read about Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA). I discovered they were holding a ‘Come and try’ day on October 29, 2005, so my mission was to be physically well so that I could try it out.

I LOVED it!

In November, I became a member of Brisbane Dragon Boat team ‘Missabittatitti’ which paddles at local, State and National levels under the banner of Dragons Abreast Australia, and I paddled in my first regatta in January 2006. The ladies I met that day have become good friends and I feel privileged to be a part of such a great organisation.

During the ‘Come and try’ day, the riders from the 2005 ‘Amazon Thunder’ ride stopped for a break at Colmslie Reserve on the Brisbane River. As a ‘bikie’ from way back, I was awed by the sight and sound of these amazing women as they arrived on one of the last stages of their journey. I met both Megan and Meredith that day and was absolutely determined from that day on that I would be part of the 2006 ride.

So, here I am!! There is a wonderful symmetry in the knowledge that by participating in this years ride, I am helping to raise money for DAA, an organisation which I am part of and which offers support and advocacy for women who are affected with breast cancer.

Click Here to Donate Now!