~$530,000 and counting
 

The very first Texas Mamma Jamma Ride Against Breast Cancer took place this past Saturday just north of Austin. The goal was to find 400 riders and raise $400,000. At the beginning, this goal was thought to be unattainable. With only 5 months to put the event together, the organizers recruited 478 cyclists who raised - $529,541 (as I type right now) - with more money yet to come in. There were 5 different route options ranging from 13 - 100 miles. People from as far away as Oregon and Michigan participated. At least 200 volunteers and crew members supported all the riders and made the day one to remember.

Enough local corporate sponsors for the ride were found so that 100% of the money raised is going to 10 local support groups who directly help breast cancer patients and their families.

My husband and I both rode 100 miles on Saturday, in just under 8 hours - including rest stops. Tied onto our bikes was a bandana that had names of those who are special to us and all the members of our team (all 20 team members had a bandana on their ride). Included on the bandana of course was the Mighty Oak, along with many others I have met here at the forum. I am attaching pictures, I hope they come out clear enough. I've changed my avatar, and if you look closely enough, you can see the bandanas.

The top picture is of Mark & I along with other members of our team about to cross the finish line. I was fighting back tears - it was a very emotional day for me. One Hundred miles gave me plenty of time to think about all of the wonderful people I have met on this cancer journey of mine. You see, tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my lumpectomy/hysterectomy. A lot can happen in one year!!

If you want more information on how you can hold a ride like this in your area go to the following link, or PM me. It is hoped that this spreads across the nation just like the Komen Race for the Cure has.

http://www.mammajammaride.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rideinformation

Our team page . . .
www.mammajammaride.org/goto/Gethsemane.Lutheran

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

How wonderful of you to have participated in this event and looking so strong and hopeful at the finish line!! I loved the bandanas' idea! And the fact that 100% of the proceeds will be given to local organizations is quite impressive.

It's great to have so much support. You may have just inspired me to participate in a race like this in the Bay Area or organize one here if it's not planned yet.

Thanks for doing this and posting about it!

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

Bless your "pea-picking" heart! One very awesome lady!

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

What an awesome thing for you to have done -- way to keep on living, and giving.

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

My angel, Alice... a bunch of my local ladies rode with Alice last Saturday, and raised a ton of money for our Breast Cancer Resource Center here in Austin as well as other deserving local cancer organizations. It was a fantastic event. If I can get me crap together, I plan to ride in it next year.

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

So Beautiful!

jean

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

Go, Alice!

Joan

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

Awesome Job :) Glad to hear things are going well back on the bike....

Re: ~$530,000 and counting
 

Great job Alice!
Also, can you please send me your phone number and email - and a recommendation for a local oncologist?

One of my best friends just moved to Austin and I thought of you for a contact for her - and your oncologist --- as I think you are happy with your care?

She found out she too was in my "cancer scarey boat" in April, when she went for her yearly mamo, right after my surgery and plee to my friends to go and have their mamograms done .... She found out that she had DCIS - and did a lumpectomy and then 30 rads --- (not Her2). She just moved to Austin for a new job and doesn't know anyone or who is good for a new oncologist.

Thank you so much -let me know at wheelistic@yahoo.com

Karen