Survivor Riders
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Cathy Gailey, Co-Founder

aka " Pinky "

cgailey@remax.net

Diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer at 33 with two young children. That was 10 years ago this year. Back then 33 was unheard of to get Breast Cancer. Today 33 is no longer unheard of. I found a pea sized lump while performing a self breast exam. Many young breast cancer survivors find their cancer by breast exams since a mammogram is not recommended until the age of 40. There was never a moment where the Dr. calls the patient into the office and tells her she has cancer. The only indication was the radiologist when he put my young son on the table and used the ultra sound to find his heartbeat. He stared me in the eyes and said “this is life-focus on this-this is life”. I knew at that moment I had Breast Cancer and the radiologist was sending me a message. Focus on my children! I had a mastectomy followed with reconstruction surgery. After the surgery they discovered the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I would be required to have chemotherapy. I had a bad reaction to the chemo and had to be hospitalized for every treatment. I don't like to share my experience with chemo. It’s like giving birth, everyone likes to share their horror stories with someone who is pregnant. I would rather focus on the positive!
I am married to a wonderful man named Al and will celebrate our 25th Anniversary this December.
I have two children, Brittany 20 -and Kenny 16 who were 6 and 2 at the time I had my cancer.
Email Cathy at: cgailey@remax.net

Yolanda Lee

aka " Breathe Right "

yodieclee@aol.com

My daughter N'Keyma was born in August, 1993. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in November, 1993. My doctors believe I may have had it in January, 1992, when my daughter Alysia, was born and perhaps my estrogen level caused the cancer to accelerate.

I joined BRA primarily because of my commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness. Secondly, I've always wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle and riding a motorcycle just happened to be one of the requirements as a BRA member.

Most teenage girls have a lot of things going on at this point in their lives. Being concerned about breast cancer is certainly not one of them because they think breast cancer is for older people. When I was 16 and a junior in high school, I discovered a lump in my right breast and had a myoectomy. I discovered a lump again in my right breast during my sophomore year of college. I had another myoectomy. Surprisingly, the breast cancer showed up in my left breast. I underwent a mastectomy, chemo, radiation and breast reconstruction. Therefore, if I'm able to persuade teenage girls to take control of their health at a young age and conduct breast self-examinations, then my commitment to BRA has been worthwhile.

Email Yolanda at: yodieclee@aol.com

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Peggy Auxier

aka " Sweeper "

pegndon@bellsouth.net

I work at Cycle City Power Sports in Newnan as the Accessory Manager. I love riding and think women and riding is a powerful thing. That is why I am so excited about BRA. It is empowering women to ride and raise awareness of Breast Cancer. A combination I am passionate about.

"I am a Survivor and I have at least 60 more years of all those new motorcycles to check out."

In October 2004, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. In December, after going through another series of invasive tests, I was told the devastating news that my cancer had progressed to Stage 4, and had entered into my bones, liver, lungs and lymph nodes. I began treatment for my cancer in January 2005.

As of August 26, 2007 I still have cancer. It's in my back and leg area. My treatments are only once a month and I get sick for a few days after the treatment. I take medicines daily. I feel blessed! They didn't think they would get the spots cleared so to have all but two areas cleared is a blessing.

I am married to Don Auxier and in October, 2007, we celebrated 10 great years of marriage and riding together. He has been my rock throughtout this entire thing. Without my entire family, friends, co-workers, motorcycle family and my babies (my animals), I would not have survived this fight. The amount of support was unreal.

Being the youngest of six kids and being blessed with a ton of family made me feel very well protected. The BlackJack Motorcycle Chapter (OneEyeJacks) did the fundraiser for me along with a ton of work from my family, co-workers and my employer made the event successful.

Many THANKS and LOVE to all of you for the financial support along with the love, prayers and support that I still receive today. YOU ALL ROCK...

Email Peggy at: pegndon@bellsouth.net

“Knowledge is Power”