Faces of Courage
Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Ride - Taking It To The Streets - State of Florida
I met Peggie Sherry, President of FOC and also a 2 x breast cancer survivor and fell in love with the work they do. Peggie hosts many events but was drawn to the Cancer camps for women and children and was asked to sit on the Board of Directors raising money for the many programs they host throughout the year. As our relationship grew she decided to become a bike owner and we began to talk about doing “Whose Your Momma” Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Ride.
The first year it was the 4 of us riders, Peggie, Kris, Grace, and I and we also had 2 RV’s that Lazy Days donated to FOC for the week. We had our luggage in one smaller RV and I believe Wanda, our tour Nurse, did the driving of the other RV. I feel in love with her, Alma, and Carrie they had such huge hearts and warrior survivor spirit too. They all were so open and shared their stories and hope along the way. We also had a videographer, Joel, who created a documentary and filmed us the entire week. The action photo of me in the wind is compliments of Joel… The documentary turned out amazing too. FOC hosted a theatre night at Channelside Theatre when it was completed and it was spectacular! Thanks Joel you rock!
We kicked off at Brandon Harley Davidson where we had many participants take off with us as we headed to Tallahassee Capital Building to discuss legislation…
After Tallahassee we headed back South via East Coast next stop was Shands Hospital which hosted an event for us in Jacksonville, next day rode to Gilda’s Place in Fort Lauderdale, hit the bar scene in Miami that night, and next day headed to Islamorada for an event that night. While everyone was getting ready us gals took off and did the 7 mile bridge to enjoy the water and stop and have a quick drink. Peggie was given a prop of a breast in a box and we went around to teach everyone how to check themselves or their wives for lumps to be sure they did self-exams. Everyone was in good spirits we sold raffle tickets and everyone donated money along the way! What a hoot and it was very educational as well. All of our stops were notified that we were coming in town and were greeted by local media and newspapers to share the Faces of Courage story.
Peggie was in a crew and the Rough Riders donated bags of stuff animals so we could drop them off and visit a few cancer pediatric hospital wards along the way.
JP, Perry, Gina & Brenda
My brother, Perry, died of cancer 17 years ago and it was finally my ride with FOC that I was able to cry and knew he was with me on this journey. We rolled up to the Welcome to Perry sign and the entire crew pulled over so I could park my bike in front of the sign in remembrance of him - not a dry eye! CANCER SUCKS…
Each biker had to raise $2500 to go on the trip to cover our costs and the remainder was donated to Faces of Courage.
From the Keys we stopped in Naples, Woody’s River Roo in Ellenton, and last stop to Cotee River’s Bike Fest to end our trip. We rode 1,800 miles in a week with all those stops. It was exhausting but we truly had a great time sharing awareness and the Faces of Courage story. You can find them on Facebook and tell them Joyce sent you! HEALTH GOES WHERE ENEREGY FLOWS…
FACES OF COURAGE GANG - THINK PINK
