ABC's Robin Roberts: 'I Have Breast Cancer'

By ROBIN ROBERTS
July 31, 2007
Share I never thought I'd be writing this. ... I have breast cancer.

It all started a few weeks ago. We had gotten the news that our dear colleague and friend Joel Siegel had passed away and we began preparing for our special tribute show for him. I did a piece about Joel's courageous battle with cancer, reporting on the way my friend had lived his life and been such a successful advocate for the importance of early cancer screenings.

That very night when I went to bed, I did a self breast exam and found something that women everywhere fear: I found a lump.

At first I thought, "This can't be. I am a young, healthy woman." Nevertheless, I faced my fear head on and made an appointment to see the doctor. Much as I was hoping the doctor would say it was nothing, she did a biopsy and confirmed that the lump I'd found was indeed an early form of breast cancer.

Hearing the doctor say those words out loud was surreal.

I will be having surgery shortly and follow-up treatment in the months to come. So in the coming months, you will probably notice that I will have my good days and my bad days, but I know I will get through it with the love and support of my family and friends. Diane, Sam, Chris and all of the folks behind the scenes who make this program come to life each and every morning have been so supportive and loving at this challenging time.

To you, our viewers, please know that your thoughts and prayers very much sustain me as they always have each and every morning when I sit in the chair next to Diane and say "Good Morning America." You have always been there for me … and I love you back.

And like my good friend Joel, I can't stress enough how important it is to get screened and checked for all cancers — and to do self breast exams. I am so blessed that I found this in the early stages and the prognosis is so promising that my doctor expects me to be flying planes and hanging on to submarines in the middle of the Atlantic and scaling the Mayan Pyramids in no time in the mornings to come.

Now I join the ranks of millions of Americans who are fighting this same battle each and every day. I appreciate YOUR courage and YOUR example. Thank you for showing me the way.
You can send Robin Roberts a personal message by clicking here. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3430556

DAY 10 TUESDAY 31 JULY 07 (APPROX 250 MILES)

Travel from St. Louis, MO to Kansas City MO.ATTEND NATIONAL BIKERS ROUND-UP 30 YEAR CELEBRATION FROM TUESDAY 31 JULY TO SATURDAY 4 AUGUST 2007

DAY 9 MONDAY 30 JULY 07 (APPROX 418 MILES)

Travel from Columbus, Ohio to St. Louis, MO.

DAY 8 SUNDAY 29 JULY 07 (APPROX 390 MILES)

Travel from Clinton, MD to Columbus, Ohio

"Rain, rain, go AWAY!"

Felipe, President of BSMC-MD and Ghostrider met us for kickstands up at 8:15 to escort us to Ohio.

It was an overcast day when we departed hotel, then the clouds opened and the rain began to fall. Of the 500 mile journey, we spent at least 250 in wet weather. But our rain suits could not prepare us for the hail that clobbered us as we passed through the mountain of Maryland. It felt like walnut size rocks being thrown, and for those riding without a face shield, there we left over marks on their lips and nose! We sought shelter and found it after reducing our speed to about 15 miles per hours, continuing to roll to the next exit. Visibility was limited to the lights on the bike directly in front of us, despite the fact it was 11 in the morning. The worst of the weather conditions passed within 20 minutes, and we mounted up and headed on our way, with rain constant for several more miles off and on until we reached Ohio. But we made it!!!

Finally checking in before 7:30pm, we were all looking forward to a good night sleep and a 6:30am kickstand up for the next morning.

DAY 7 SATURDAY 28 JULY 07 (APPROX 250 MILES)

Travel from Roanoke, VA to Clinton, MD

Travel from Roanoke, VA to Clinton, MDThe day began with a homecooked breakfast at the home of the BSMC-VA President and his lovely wife. Joining the other Soldiers and two members of the Road Divas, we were led through Virginia to Southern Maryland by Freckles, member of the BSMC Chapter, meeting up with more Road Divas as we entered Maryland. Lucki, one of the Road Divas experienced a problem with her bike on the expressway, but we all pulled over and waited until she was back on the road.



Road Divas of Distinction Motorcycle Association of Maryland
ROAD DIVAS PICNIC

The DFAC core group Divas were loaned the white vests of Road Diva members to roll up to the picnic area at Hillantrae Park in full regalia. With at least 100 family and friends waiting and cheering, we were warmly and emotionally welcomed by the officers and members of the Road Divas of Distinction Motorcycle Associateon of MD/VA/DC stylishly dressed in black and white.

The sisterhood was geniune and tearful, including support by the Karamel Divas and the Chocolate City Divas. Brother M/C clubs that came out to show their support included the Band of Brothers M/C of MD and DC, Second II None of Landover, MD, Down N Dirty, World Wide Rydaz, and the Buffalo Soldiers MC of Maryland, Rhode Island, Oklahoma and So. Maryland. Sista Soulja (Road Divas) gave a moving rendition of "I Won't Complain", accompanied by Rhode Runner (Pres. BSMC Rhode Island) before departing to return to Atlanta on her trike. Mia, a very special person in Sunny's life that helped her during her first recovery drove hours with her husband and young son to be with her as she arrived for the picnic. It was a beautiful day filled with love, laughter and fellowship.

NEWS ARTICLE: ABC News 7
http://dynamic.allbrittontv.com/communityevent.hrb?s=wjla&i=45393

Motorcycle Clubs showing their support...

DAY 6 FRIDAY 27 JULY 07 (APPROX 257 MILES)

Travel from Knoxville, TN to Roanoke, Virginia



Buffalo Soldiers M/C of Roanoke and Ladies of Harley
Roanoke ValleyHarley-Davidson
HOG Hall
1925 Peters Creek, Rd.
Roanoke, VA

MEDIA CLIP: WBDJ,
DIVAS ride into Roanoke
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?s=6852866

DAY 5 THURSDAY 26 JULY 07 (APPROX 388 MILES

Travel from Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN

We meet up with Sista Soulja and Professor Wash from the Road Divas of Distinction Motorcyle Club. We were so exhausted from the ride, heat and long days that we went to bed early, so as to prepare for a long ride the next day. The Roanoke Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club met up with us on the way to provide escort into their city.

We were surprised to find three local televisions stations were waiting to interview us at the Harley-Davidson Dealership. The Meet & Greet was coordinated by one of our Lady Soldiers "Dot" who is also a member of the Lady's of Harley, HOG Riders Association and the Roanoke Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. A check for $2,000 was presented by Travelin Man, President of the Roanoke Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club.

After the check presentation, introductions and open discussion - we were hosted in the homes of the BSMC Members for a descent night sleep and to do laundry.

DIVAS ride into Roanoke
WDBJ7.com - Roanoke,VA,USA
DIVAS for a Cure rolled into Roanoke today. They are riding across the country to raise awareness about breast cancer. Many of the women who have made the ...
See all stories on this topic

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 25 JULY 07 (APPROX 475 MILES)

Travel from Tulsa to Little Rock, Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 25 JULY 07 (APPROX 475 MILES)
Travel from Tulsa to Little Rock, Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee
Weather: High 90's - Low 100's

If you haven't been to Bike Night on Beale Street in Memphis - you are in for a real treat. Lots of people mingling, hanging out, listening to live music and checking out the custom motorcycles.

We setup the DFAC trailer on Beale Street directly across from the podium, where we were able to meet and chat with 100's of folks and bikers about our cross-country adventure. We sold our DFAC merchandise and even had an opportunity to meet several breast cancer survivors who came down after hearing about us from the motorcycle community and local media.

As luck would have it - - before departing from Memphis headed for Knoxville, we were also interviewed live on TV at the Peabody Place Mall.


Divas Ride For A Cure
Today's THV - Little Rock,AR,USA
They call themselves "Divas for a Cure," and they're riding coast-to-coast to help cure breast cancer. But these aren't your average motorcycle riders. ...
See all stories on this topic

WREG-TV Memphis - News Channel 3 Live at 9 Online! (Aired Thursday, July 26): http://www.wreg.com/Global/category.asp?C=53326

MEDIA CLIP: http://http//www.todaysthv.com/video/news/player.aspx?aid=48874&bw
KTHV Television, Little Rock, AR

NEWS ARTICLE: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=49646

DAY 3 TUESDAY 24 JULY 07 (APPROX 537 MILES)

Travel from Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Tulsa, Oklahoma

MEDIA CLIP: Divas For A Cure Ride Through Green Country
KOTV - Tulsa,OK,USA
http://www.kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=132234

Watch the video: Divas For A Cure Ride Through Oklahoma

Travel from Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Departed: 6:45 AM

Weather: Mid 90's - Low 100's

We were beginning to settle into the ride and get comfortable with the long days. The weather was

hot and humid, nonetheless the ride was wonderful. We arrived in Oklahoma City and was greeted by Warrior, Vice President of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. As we rolled into the gas station a CBS camera man recorded footage and a brief interview to forward to Tulsa to air that evening.

We stopped by the Buffalo Soldiers Oklahoma City Club House were we grabbed a bite to eat, quickly changed clothes and then rushed off to the Meet & Greet at the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa, OK. On the way to the event we got caught in a brief down-pour and was drenched but fortunately our PrivacyWear is wash and wear, so we were almost dry upon arrival.

There were several hundred people in attendance at the Tulsa event including State Senator Judy Eason-McIntyre (a breast cancer survivor) who presented a proclamation on behalf of the Mayor's Office and the State Senate. We were interviewed by two local networks. See Below...

The mistress of ceremony was Alberta Jones (a breast cancer survivor) and hosted by Martha Vaughan (KJMZ Radio) and sponsored by PrivacyWear. There was a fashion show and health fair along with food, fun and family.

DAY 2 MONDAY 23 JULY 07 (APPROX 420 MILES)

Travel from Flagstaff, Arizona to Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Today was a good day. We made great time as we traveled from Flagstaff toSanta Rosa, NM.We are still traveling down famous Route 66 - the Desert, the mountains andthe sky give birth to a new meaning of "Freedom."

There is so much to see when riding on a motorcycle that you would otherwisemiss in a car and a lot of time to think!You should see the faces of some of the men when we roll by them on ourmotorcycles. Women also give us a "Big Thumbs Up," which is a wonderfulgesture, especially once they realize why we are on this journey. We get somuch love on the road from everyone for 5 to 85!

Departed: 6:45 AM
Weather: Low 90's - mild 100

There was light rain practically the entire day but we made great progressand pounded our way through Arizona to safely arrive in Santa Rosa, NM

In Bed at: 10:00 PM
Up at 4:00 AM on 24 JULY 07
Kick-Stands Up at: 5:30 AM

The journey is unfolding wonderfully..so stay tunned

DAY 1 SUNDAY 22 JULY 07 (APPROX 475 MILES)

Travel from Los Angeles, CA to Flagstaff, Arizona



After we said our "Goodbyes and Godspeed", we had breakfast as a team and mounted up. We made several stops along the way to get adjusted to the long journey ahead of us.

Departed: 8:30 AM

Weather: Low 90's - a blistering 110

It rained on us the last 1.5 hours of the way until we arrived at the Grand Canyon outside of Flagstaff, AZ

We met another cancer survior and retired veteran on our journey. We were greeted by many well wishers the many gas stops, who were admiring the bikes and the beautiful DFAC & PrivacyWear trailer. It was an awesome day!

Arrived at: 8:30 PM

In Bed at: 10:30 PM

Up at 4:45 AM on 23 JULY 07

Kick-Stands Up at: 6:00 AM

More to come...

DFAC Updates - 7/21/07

It was awesome to see 36 Motorcycle Escorts rolling down the freeway to lead us into Los Angeles on July 21, 2007. We arrive to over 100 bikers waiting to greet us. There were several hundred bikers in attendance and the evening was covered live by V100 Radio Station.
Check out the trailer, PrivacyWear Presents Divas For A Cure Cross-Country Motorcycle Run - 2007

Smooth - President Buffalo Soldiers Motorcyle Club of California
TC Costley and Smooth (Two Presidents - One Mission)
All the best and more to come.

And They're Off! Divas Depart from Oakland

OAKLAND DEPARTURE:
On our way from Glory Leather & Gift Shop in Oakland headed for our first to the Buffalo Soldiers of California Motorcycle Club in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES - MEET & GREET "KICK-OFF EVENT"
Aj & the wonderful staff of V100 Radio Station (Live Remote at the Soldiers of California Motorcycle Club in Los Angeles.

DAY 1:
More to Follow....

Another Angel got her wings... "Lucye R. Hicks"

Lucye R. Hicks, 82, died at 4:20am Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the home of her son Steven and daughter-in-law Peggy after a short illness. Born October 5, 1924 in Kinloch, Missouri, one of six daughters of Franklin and Bertha (Farmer) Pringle. Lucye married Andrew A. Hicks on November 24, 1950 in Rockford. She was employed by the United States Postal Service, Valspar Paint, and was a homemaker to her own boys along with helped to take care of other foster children.

She was a faithful member of the Miles Memorial CME Church. Serving numerous positions as Stewardess, Missionary, Board of Christian Education, Pastor Anniversary Committee, Membership and Evangelist Committee, and a host of other ministry positions.

She was a member in good standing and dedicated worker for the Balhasar Assembly #69 Order of the Golden Circle P.H.A. A former member of Princess Zorah Chapter #20 O.E.S./P.H.A.

Lucye touched many lives and was loved and respected by all that met her. She cherished her time with her family and friends, and pets and was always first to lend a helping hand to someone in need or to send a card to friends who were sick or shut-in. Lucye loved to read, shop, and attend church. She always believed in giving back to the community and was an inspiration to everyone she met. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she was active in raising donations and helping raise awareness for Breast Cancer Prevention, and at the age of 81 participated in the DIVAS FOR A CURE Breast Cancer Awareness rally in Rockford last summer. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and many acquaintances around the country.

Survivors include her two sons, David Hicks of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Steven (Peggy) Hicks of Rockford. Grand-daughters, Alexis Hicks of St. Paul, Minnesota and Lauren Chapple of Rockford., sisters Gloria Umbles of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Frances Thomas of St. Louis, MO, and Bertha Fantroy of Kirkwood, MO .

Predeceased by her husband, mother, father, two sisters and a number of aunts, uncles, and nephews.
For the many friends and family who visited her during her final months. Your visits meant the world to her. To the administrators, doctors, counselors, RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s of Rockford Visiting Nurses and Odessey Health Care Hospice, a grateful thank you for easing her passage. A special thanks to Alberta Primm, Mary Webb, Gladyis Kelly, Pastor Montel Putney, Pastor Joseph Gordon, and Kendra England for your kindness to Lucye.

Service will be at 11:00AM Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at Miles Memorial CME Church, 1035 Michigan Ave, Rockford, IL 61102, with Pastor Joseph Gordon officiating. Internment in Sunset Memorial Gardens at 8800 North Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61111. Visitation will be 10:00AM, Tuesday, July 10th, at Miles Memorial CME Church.

(Pictured: Lucye R. Hicks, Peggy Hicks & Jan Emanuel)

The Divas are Coming!!!!!!!

Every Year, Every Mile, Every Dollar Counts...