Olivia B. Alston aka " Legs "  obalston@netscape.net    Originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan, Olivia B. Alston has resided in the Atlanta area for fifteen years. She and her twin brother are the youngest of her 3 siblings. She is single and does not have children. Olivia is a proud graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Additionally, she received a master's degree at Clark Atlanta University. Olivia owns and operates Sugar N' Spice Parties for children. The journey through breast cancer began for Olivia in 2003 at age 33. She way lying on the bed and for no apparent reason felt her left breast. She, like most 30 something's, had never done a breast self exam. The no apparent reason was later attributed to God's divine intervention. She felt something unusual, a hard lump. The next day she made an appointment to visit and internal medicine doctor. This was her first visit to this particular doctor's office. The meeting could be described as rocky at best. She was left in the waiting area for over 1 hour before being put in a room. Upon getting in a room she then waited another hour. After deciding enough was enough Olivia put her clothes on and proceeded to leave, being followed closely by a nurse calling her name and telling the doctor Ms. Alston is leaving. The doctor immediately said "if you will stay I can see you now." This doctor would later become one of her biggest supporters and advocates. She referred Olivia to the Breast Care Specialist office. The mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy revealed the unthinkable (for her). You have breast cancer. Olivia underwent a lumpectomy and radiation to treat her cancer. When she returned the following year in 2004 for her annual mammogram she was told the cancer has returned in the same breast. She underwent a full mastectomy and a breast expander was implanted to prepare for reconstructive surgery later. Olivia describes her journey though breast cancer as the most life altering event of her life. She learned of her mental, physical and spiritual strength, faith, power, prayer and the love of family, friends and strangers. Email Olivia at:  obalston@netscape.net

Cheryl E. Triplet

Sheri Waynick, Co-Founder aka " Wings " swaynick@comcast.net Diagnosed at the age of 37 was such a shock for me. No history of breast cancer in my family……too young for mammograms……healthy and active – of course this diagnosis knocked the wind out of my sails. I decided to fight hard and not let this disease get the best of me. My treatments – 4 rounds of adriomycin/cytoxin, 4 rounds of Taxol, 52 rounds of herceptin, and 30 radiation treatments. Yes – a year rollercoaster, but at the same time a wonderful blessing. I’ve met some of the most wonderful people in the world and feel such a strong friendship with so many! At the time of my diagnosis, I owned my own business. After realizing that God had given me my life, I knew I needed to do something else serving others…….I was led to the local American Cancer Society office where I became the senior manager supervising 11 counties. The volunteers………WOW……….what can I say – a special group of people who taught me so much about giving and serving man kind. Now, back in business while continuing to volunteer for ACS, Cathy and I decided to start a new non-profit focused on education and not fund-raising. We launched BRA – empowering young women to take control of their bodies and realize the importance of early breast cancer detection. The reason for riding a motorcycle? We wanted the survivors to do something outside of their comfort zone and face this fear head on – as they did with breast cancer. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishing something that you feared so much and realize that you can do anything you put your mind to! We are not only empowering these teenage girls, but also ourselves! I have two daughters- Jessica (22) & Jackie (17) - my girls were 10 & 15 at the time of my diagnosis. I am married to a very supportive husband named Bob, and we will celebrate our 25th anniversary in March of 2008. Thank you BRA sisters for all the laughter and tears! I will forever be indebted because of your friendships! I look forward to meeting all the new BRA sisters who will be joining us in the years to come! Email Sheri at: swaynick@comcast.net

“Knowledge is Power”