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alicem
08-24-2009, 07:18 PM
On May 5th I received my last TCH infusion. I was so ready for the chemo to end so that I could start working on my fitness again. That day, I opened an e-mail telling me about a new fundraiser in the Central Texas area that would benefit 10 organizations that offer services for all breast cancer patients and their families. (Hopefully we are all very aware of how amazing local non-profit breast cancer support groups can be.) It was an answer to my prayer. Instead of dreading the next 3 weeks of the side effects of the chemo, I could concentrate on a new goal of getting back on my bike to help many who would soon follow in my shoes.

The event is called the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride Against Breast Cancer. I was immediately drawn to this ride because I love to ride my bike AND I've had breast cancer. It is the hope of the organizers to start this in Texas, and grow it to other states just like the Race for the Cure has. After all, not everyone likes to run, but many like to ride their bikes!! That is where you all come in. I have thought that there is no better way, (short of being on Oprah!!), to get the word out to other parts of the country than to share this great idea with all of my family here at the Her2 Forum.

I was asked to be on a local show called Austin Faith Dialogue, along with the Honorary Chair of the event, to talk about my experiences as well as my passion for this event. The show has just been uploaded to YouTube so I thought I would post it here for anyone interested. It is in 3 separate parts, all 9 1/2 minutes long.

On a side note, I have been training pretty hard and have put in almost 1000 miles on my bike since my chemo ended. It is my plan to ride the 100 mile route with my husband on the day of the ride. We rode 60 miles this past Saturday so I am beginning to think it is a possibility. Oh, and yes, the day of the ride - October 10th will be almost 1 year after I had my lumpectomy and hysterectomy. I will be thinking of all of you as I ride through the beautiful hill country of Texas! (I'm also attaching a picture of Mark and I from last Saturday. You can see how the hair is starting to grow in, but it is also more gray than I prefer!)

Let me know if any of you are interested in starting a ride like this in your community or State next year and I will send you the contact information you need!

Link to Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTmhX5u512A
Link to Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9uZ0OKXuT8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9uZ0OKXuT8)
Link to Part Three: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H2ZWOAXm-g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H2ZWOAXm-g)

hutchibk
08-24-2009, 07:41 PM
Hey Alice - Mammajamma is going to be so great. I went to the cocktail party at Zocalo last Tuesday... they had a great turn out. I am not planning to ride, as I am a loser, but I am hoping to volunteer that day out at the ranch. I hope to get together with you in person before that (facebook friend) but if not, then I will see you Oct 10.

Wow, you are doing fantastic. I am envious. I had intended to start riding, but it has just been too hot for me to train (even in the early morning or late evening... I am suddenly really sensitive, though I never used to be, imagine that.)

Sheila
08-24-2009, 08:12 PM
Alice
First of all congrats on being done, and the bike ride sounds incredible! You are amazing. About the gray hair...we could be sisters...must be the Taxol, mine has come in so gray....where did the black hair I had go?

tricia keegan
08-25-2009, 01:08 AM
Alice, I think you're incredable to do all this so soon after your tx!!
Congrats to you, and I think you look great and a picture of health:)

Mary Jo
08-25-2009, 05:02 AM
You Go Girl.http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

suzan w
08-25-2009, 08:08 AM
There are NO coincidences when it comes to our lives!! You look great! Happy pedalling! XO Suzan

alicem
08-28-2009, 09:31 AM
Thanks for all of your encouragement and warm wishes everyone!