Motorcycle Divas' Make Southland Stops on Cross-Country Cancer Ride

Cancer Ride
Date: 07-24-2006 2:48 PM - Word Count: 251

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A half-dozen ``motorcycle divas,'' led by a woman who's
survived three bouts of cancer, stopped in the Southland today on the second
day of their cross-country tour to raise money for breast cancer research.

The 23-day "Divas Ride For A Cure,'' which kicked off yesterday in San
Francisco, made a late-morning stop at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Marina
del Rey and an afternoon stop at another motorcycle shop in Glendale.

The mission of the 7,800-mile ride ``is to offer support and much-needed
life-saving information to women affected by cancer, particularly those with
limited access to services and treatment,'' according to ride leader Jan
Emanuel of Northern California.

Proceeds will be earmarked for breast cancer research, as well as to
facilitate mobile breast examinations at community health fairs, produce
educational materials about cancer, and fund wig donations for women
undergoing chemotherapy, she said.

The riders are from all over the country, including Los Angeles.

Emanuel encouraged others, including men, to join in, even if it's only for
one leg of the trip.

"Why is this cause so important to me? It's very personal,'' said Emanuel,
who has survived a stroke and a heart attack in addition to cancer.

"A passion should always have a purpose and blessings should be shared,''
she said. ``I'm not just a rider, I'm a survivor.''


CNS-07-24-2006 14:48