Revved Up for a Cure

NBC 10 by Stacy Weaver

Divas For a Cure take to the street to raise money for breast cancer research.

Divas kick off motorbike expo with well-heeled ride

The Mercury
Published: Thursday, October 8, 2009

By Jesse Reilly, Journal Register News Service

In conjunction with the Philadelphia Motorcycle Show, professional motorcycle racer Peggy Llewellyn will lead a bevy of 50 to 100 other riders on a motorcycle ride from New Jersey to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks this weekend to promote the nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure.

With the Keystone State ranking fourth in the nation for new motorcycles sold and home to 800,000 registered riders, David Mockus believes it’s about time to end the several-year hiatus and bring a show to the bikers.

“For the past few years they’ve had shows in New York and Washington, D.C., but none here,” the show’s producer said.

After a few bumps in the road during previous shows, Philadelphia was taken off the map. Mockus left his job and created D&D Expositions with his mother to bring one back

“During previous shows, thousands of people came out,” he said. “We know there is an interest.”

To kick off what he is hoping will be an annual event, Mockus is bringing in some unlikely riders. Wearing a leather jacket and high heels, professional motorcycle racer Peggy Llewellyn and 50 to 100 other divas will ride from New Jersey to the Greater Philadelphia Expo at Oaks to promote the nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure.

“It’s not every day that you see women on bikes in heels,” she said with a laugh. “But if we’re called divas, I am going to make sure I look like one.”

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to “promoting early detection, education, screenings and supporting research organizations to continue the quest to one day find a cure and eradicate cancer of all kinds,” its Web site said. Proceeds from rides go toward educational material, health fairs, wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy, as well as mobile breast exams, according to the site.

Recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Llewellyn said the opportunity to combine her passion for riding and her goal of spreading awareness to her community was something she couldn’t pass up.

“I live by the rule that knowledge is power and the numbers show that breast cancer affects a large percentage of the Hispanic and black communities,” she said. She said that as a woman of Jamaican and Mexican descent, the cause is close to her heart.

“If women know about early detection, they can protect themselves,” she said. “If they have the information, they won’t become the statistic.”

Even though she’s dolling up for the event, Llewellyn said once she’s done the ride, she can kick off her heels and tell the estimated 10,000 bike lovers what it’s like to go 190 mph around a track.

The divas will also stick around to talk to convention-goers and sign autographs.

After welcoming the women, thousands of bikes will be set up in the center’s three halls, which are set to host the largest collection of motorcycles, ATVs and power sports vehicles in the area in years.

“There will be all different types of bikes,” Mockus said, adding that anyone can register their bike.

With numerous categories including antique and best in show, those who register their motorcycles will have the opportunity to receive cash prizes.

After perusing the bikes, people can make their way over to the rod and customs carnival.

The carnival will feature an auto-rama of select old school, hot rod, Rat Rod, Kustom and specialty show cars and bikes from around the tri-state area and, according to the press release, the event is all about “fun, kool cars and wild ideas.”

Amazing oddities including rubber girls, a two-headed duck, a Fiji mermaid, mummies and shrunken heads are also sure to draw a crowd, Mockus promised.

Professional BMX stunt bicyclists by Dialed Action Sports Team will wow and shock audiences with their death-defying feats, and booths featuring local tattoo artists and custom-made bikes will also be at the show.

Parts and products will be sold for those who are hoping to start, or finish, their own bike project.

The event will also include a toy run for St. Christopher’s Hospital. All show-goers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to receive $3 off admission on Sunday.

Saturday night will be a special treat, with Biker Brawl’s presentation of R.I.E’s Mixed Martial Arts at 8 p.m. There is a separate admission and the cost is discounted for motorcycle show attendees.

“The fights are always broadcast, and when you watch, there is a huge Harley-Davidson ad in the middle of the ring,” Mockus said. “They are a huge sponsor of the event so we thought the combination fit.”

With the weekend full of exciting activities, Mockus said the convention center will definitely be revving with things to do.

“It hasn’t been here in so many years,” he said. “It’s definitely going to be exciting.”

If You Go …

Philadelphia Motorcycle Show, presented by D&D Expositions, will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456, Friday – Sunday, Oct. 9 – 11. Admission: $10, adults; $5, 6-11, free, age 5 and under. For more information, call 856-626-3226 or visit www.phillyexpos.com.

URL: NJ.com

Breast cancer survivor rides to spread disease awareness

By Carly Romalino

October 05, 2009, 3:52PM

Breast cancer has affected families across the country, and Gloucester County is no exception.

Although the disease never discriminates and is one of the leading causes of death in women, the founder of Divas for the Cure said minority groups are still less educated about their risks, treatments and the importance of early detection of breast lumps.

“I think a lot of minorities think this is a white, female disease only, which is far from the truth,” said Jan Emanuel-Costley of Browns Mills, who started Divas for a Cure after surviving breast and other types of cancers.

According to Costley, more white women are diagnosed with breast cancer, but more minorities will die from the disease.

“The white community has more access to health care, higher income, and are better educated,” she said. “All of those factors contribute to people being proactive. I think, if you know better, you do better.”

Costley said for some families under financial strain, paying for health care costs often comes in last, well after utilities, rent and mortgages bills are paid.

“My first bout with cancer was at age 16,” Costley said. “If I hadn’t had the proper follow-up and treatment, I wouldn’t be 48.”

To raise awareness of breast cancer, early detection and treatment options, Costley will lead a motorcade on Oct. 10, from Barb’s Harley-Davidson in Haddon Township to the Philadelphia Motorcycle show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

“When we ride our motorcycles, people pay particular attention to a woman riding a bike,” said Costley, who has more than 100,000 miles of motorcycle riding under her belt. “Once I get your attention, I’ll talk to you. And once I talk to you, I leave you with a breast cancer brochure.”

Costley hopes several hundred riders will join the 40-mile trek to raise breast cancer awareness.

“We have to dispel those myths and educate women and say, ‘just like getting a cavity checked. A lot of people wait until they get a cavity to see the dentist,’” said Costley, adding that 95 percent of breast cancer cases are completely curable if detected at early stages. “A cavity is fillable. With breast cancer, you lose your life.”

The Philadelphia Motorcycle Show will host the “Revved Up for the Cause” motorcycle run on Oct. 10. The run will leave Barb’s Harley-Davidson & Buell at 926 Black Horse Pike in Haddon Township at noon and ride to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks in Oaks, Pa.

The run will benefit Divas for a Cure.

For more information visit the Web sites for the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center or Divas for a Cure.

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South Jersey Healthcare will be hosting two free dinner seminars on breast health in October.

Seminars are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 at SJH Regional Medical Center Education Department, Classrooms 1, 2 and 3, 1505 W. Sherman Ave., Vineland, and Oct. 22 at SJH Elmer Hospital, Community Room, 501 W. Front St., Elmer. Dinner is included.

Medical experts will present information about breast cancer risk and prevention, screening and follow-up of abnormalities, and promotion of healthy lifestyle and wellness. Register by calling (800) 770-7547.

Survivors Speak: Breast Cancer Awareness October 2009

Essence.com

Yulinda Lewis-Kelly

“In 1999 at the age of 34, I started having a bloody nipple discharge. Soon thereafter I was diagnosed with Stage Two breast cancer. I had a mastectomy and six months of brutal chemotherapy. Sometimes I wanted to just give up and die, but my faith kept me going. After eight years and being declared cancer-free, in 2007 I learned it was back. It was metastatic, and had spread to both sides of my lungs and hit my lymph nodes. I am on hormones to treat it, and will be for the rest of my life. I started my own business, The Celebration of Life-Cancer Awareness Organization, where I can encourage others to continue to fight.”

NFL Pink Ribbon Day

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for the fourth year in a row, Divas For A Cure (DFAC) is continuing to raise funds for breast cancer and since its inception in 2005, DFAC has donated over $110,000.00 to M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Hospital.

Why M.D. Anderson? For the past eight years, M. D. Anderson has ranked number one in cancer care in "Americas Best Hospitals" survey published by U.S. News & World Report. Nearly 85,000 people per year, including 29,000 new patients, seek the highest quality care that has made M. D. Anderson so widely respected.

Unlike other popular organizations that raise money for breast cancer awareness, DFAC does not have any paid staff... we are all volunteers. Our organizations' overhead is underwritten by Corporate Sponsors and/or donated In-Kind Services. Therefore $.90 of every dollar we raise actually goes to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.

Please consider donating to Divas For A Cure, your tax deductible donation could make a difference in someone’s life.

I W.A.N.T. Foundation Participates in Houston Health Fair

The I W.A.N.T. Foundation's booth

Central Care Community Center's
10th Annual Health Fair

Saturday, September 26, 2009
8610 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Houston, TX 77033

To find out more about the I W.A.N.T. Foundation please visit http://iwantfoundation.org

2009 Celebration of Life Luncheon (Saturday, October 17, 2009 - NYC)

Celebration of Life-Cancer Awareness Organization

"Providing life-enrichment programs and services to survivors, their families and friends, and to the population at large."

Presents The
2009 Celebration of Life Luncheon
Theme: Overcoming the Odds
Saturday, October 17, 2009
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Guest Speaker
The Honorable James E. Clyburn
D-SC - Majority Whip

Alhambra Grand Ballroom - 6th Floor
2116 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.
(Corner of 126th St., NYC 10027)

Dress: Business Attire
$50 - RSVP NLT September 19, 2009 to:
Patricia Johnson (212) 369-3024
or email: col.secretary@yahoo.com

Chair - Yulinda Lewis-Kelly
Co-Chair - Jacob Kelly

Click Here for PDF version

Barbara Padilla... A Cancer Survivor!

This season's America's got talent features a fabulous vocalist, who happens to be cancer survivor. Her name is Barbara Padilla.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Barbara Padilla made her way to Houston for treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy at the center. During this time, it was feared she might not sing again.

She put to rest any doubts that her musical career was in jeopardy after a successful audition with University of Houston. She earned a scholarship and began a challenging, yet inspiring, artistic journey at U of H.

"I was sick for five years, and now, I'm in remission," she said following her performance. "And now, I'm here. What a dream! When you have hope, you keep going."

Watch a Clip of Barbara singing: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/clips/week-12-barbara-padilla/1155282/

Harley-Davidson Revs Up for Bikers Roundup

Source: MotorCycleUSA.com

Thousands of motorcyclists will rumble into the Atlanta Motor Speedway from August 4 – 9 for what is known as one of the largest motorcycle camping rallies in the country. Nearly 15,000 African American motorcyclists will make their way to the 32nd Annual National Bikers Roundup to reconnect and commune with fellow motorcyclists for six days of musical entertainment, drag racing, and more.

"Harley-Davidson is honored to be a part of this historical event and celebrate the rich history of African American motorcyclists," said John Comissiong, director of market outreach for Harley-Davidson. "We are proud to support National Bikers Roundup for 12 years now and we believe this event continues to build our relationship with diverse customers."

Harley-Davidson will present a check to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, donating $2000 to help feed those in need. Event-goers will also have the opportunity to enjoy Harley-Davidson activities August 5-8. These activities include:
- Free Demo Rides on 2010 Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles
- Official H.O.G.® Pin Stop
- Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® Apparel Fashion Show on Friday at 8p.m.
- Raffle Giveaways

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is a strong supporter of Divas For A Cure (DFAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and research. In conjunction with the rally, DFAC will have items on sale that include bandanas, lapel pens and patches, with proceeds benefiting their cause.

“As a breast cancer survivor, I am extremely thankful that Harley-Davidson continues to provide even more opportunities for us to raise awareness about cancer research,” said Jan Emanuel-Costley, founder and president of Divas For A Cure. For more information on Divas For A Cure please visit DivasForACure.org.

The National Bikers Roundup Rally was first organized in 1977 by African-American motorcycle clubs. This year, more than 1000 motorcycle clubs are expected to attend, including several chapters of the Harley Owners Group®. For more information on the 32nd Annual National Bikers Roundup dates and event schedule, visit www.nbrkcmo.com.

Testimony from Patti Cauthen - Cancer Survivor!

Houston, TX - Patti Rings the Bell!

Many of you know that I finished my last radiation treatment this past Wednesday. Hallelujah! I would not have done as well as I did without the grace of God, and without all my friends and family.

I wanted to share some pictures with you of a tradition at MD Anderson. Each time a patience completes a milestone, such as completing chemo or radiation, they get to ring the bell there is the area of treatment. The bells are donated from prior patient's. I can tell you, and Alma will back me up, it is a BIG DEAL when the opportunity comes!Other patient's, family, friends, technicians, nurses, and sometimes the doctors participate.

My pictures include the two technicians that gave me the radiation treatments for the 6 weeks, and also my sister Sarah. It was a truly great day for me!

Patti

Farwell Farrah - a True Diva

Actress Farrah Fawcett died on June 25 in Los Angeles at the age of 62. With her passing after a long battle with anal cancer, we lose one of the quintessential symbols of post-feminist Hollywood, a definitive pinup who somehow parlayed a delicate-flower demeanor and all-American beauty into a 30-year career.

As it turned out, her bravest role of all was her final one: She shared every brutally unglamorous step of her cancer treatment with the world in the riveting NBC documentary Farrah's Story.

The former University of Texas sorority girl became an instant star when she sashayed onto Charlie’s Angels in 1976. (Her trademark poster -- shot pre-Angels -- hit stores that same year, cementing her role as a sex symbol.) Fawcett left the show after only one season, and, after a string of big-screen flops, finally earned critical praise in the mid '80s with the off-Broadway play Extremities and the NBC movie The Burning Bed. (Her role, as an abused wife, earned the actress her first Emmy nomination.)

In 1985, Fawcett -- divorced from Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors -- struck up her romance with O’Neal, and the two had a son, Redmond James O’Neal. Throughout the next decade, she attracted plenty of critical praise for her on camera work, including 1997’s The Apostle and 2000’s Dr. T and the Women. But she also engaged in her share of public foibles -- a naked-body-painting layout in a 1995 Playboy, a famously addled appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show in 1997. She even tried to tell her own story in 2005 with the short-lived TV Land reality series Chasing Farrah, to roundly dismissive reviews.

In 2006, Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, the actress was cancer-free. Unfortunately, doctors found the disease had returned in 2007. Even as her treatment resumed -- and family's drug battles continued to make headlines -- Fawcett managed to maintain an upbeat outlook. As Alana Stewart, friend and co-producer of Farrah's Story, told EW.com in April, "She’s always been positive. Her spirits have always been good throughout this ordeal."

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations to support cancer research be made to The Farrah Fawcett Foundation c/o P.O. Box 6478, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

--Jennifer Armstrong (Additional reporting by Jeff Jensen, Dan Snierson, and Tim Stack)

Riders rumble through Allensworth

Porterville Recorder - Porterville,CA,USA

By ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ

June 7, 2009 - 9:34PM

ALLENSWORTH — Rarely can Harley-Davidson and Allensworth be used together in the same sentence.

The opportunity presented itself, however, during a three-day event Thursday, Friday and Saturday as thousands of motorcyclists converged on Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for the second annual West Coast Bikers Round-Up.

The event — which attracted riders from Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington — was sponsored by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Sinister Wheels.

The entrance fee was $25. Children ages 10 and under were admitted for free.

All of the proceeds will go toward bone marrow research, West Coast Bikers Round-Up Association treasurer Deryk Howard said.

“We’re just trying to do a good thing,” he said.

Last year’s event, according to Howard, drew roughly 3,000 riders and raised $105,000.

“Next year’s going to be even better,” he said. “It’s starting to catch on.”

Showing its support by attending the rally was Divas For A Cure, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and research.

DFAC founder and president Jan Emanuel is a three-time breast cancer survivor.

Her organization has raised over the past three years $110,000, all of which was injected into the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center fund.

“Passion should have a purpose,” Emanuel said. “Why not do something good for someone and have fun doing it.

“The quicker we do something about it, the quicker we’ll find a cure.”

Activities galore kept attendees constantly entertained Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A bike race, bike show, stunt show, talent show, water slide, movie night, camping, raffles and music — among many more attractions — greeted bikers and children alike.

“It wasn’t something we had to come to,” Stan Jones, president of riding group Rising Sons, Bakersfield chapter, said. “We wanted to come.”

Broken Swords president Alex Shinal agreed.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “So far I’ve been around to all of the different clubs. It’s really nice.”

Howard said he was hopeful 70 to 80 clubs would make an appearance in Allensworth.

He also said he wants to increase the size and popularity of the event by reaching out to East Coast riders.
“If we build it,” Howard said, “hopefully they will come.”

Contact Alex K.W. Schultz at 784-5000, Ext. 1049.

Harley-Davidson rides into West Coast Biker's Roundup

Source 1st5ive.com - Chicago,IL,USA

Thousands of motorcyclists on the West Coast will ride to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for the 2nd Annual West Coast Biker's Roundup. During the three-day event Harley-Davidson will present a custom bike show, a game lounge, raffle drawings and giveaways. Motorcyclists from Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and California will enjoy primitive camping, events, exhibits, town tours and other activities from June 4-6.

Harley-Davidson believes in experiencing the culture of motorcycling with our riders by supporting organizations and events such as the West Coast Biker's Roundup," said John Comissiong, director of market outreach for Harley-Davidson. "We are always looking for new ways to effectively reach out and enhance the riding experience of enthusiasts."

The historic town of Allensworth, Calif. is named after Colonel Allen Allensworth, the highest-ranking African American in the U.S. Army in 1906. Colonel Allensworth's vision was to have a thriving, prosperous and self-sustaining community. Today, the town is home to the annual West Coast Biker's Roundup event where motorcycle clubs and enthusiasts gather to celebrate the camaraderie of the biker community and support his vision.

In conjunction with the rally, Harley-Davidson Motor Company is supporting the attendance of Divas For A Cure (DFAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and research. DFAC will have items on sale that include, bandanas, lapel pens and patches, with proceeds will benefitting their cause."As a breast cancer survivor, I am extremely thankful that Harley-Davidson continues to provide even more opportunities for us to raise awareness about cancer research," said Jan Emanuel-Costley, founder and president of Divas For A Cure.

Gates open on June 4, 2009 at 6:00 am. The entrance fee is $25.00 per person and children ages 10 and under will get in for free. There is limited RV parking on a first come, first served basis and pre-registration is required. For more information visit www.westcoastbikersroundup

‘Divas’ Rev Up Breast Cancer Awareness

From M.D. Andersen's PROMISE Newsletter

They call themselves “Divas For A Cure,” but their work is far from glamorous. Jan Emanuel-Costley, founder and president of the California-based nonprofit organization, and a band of biker buddies are helping fund breast cancer research at M. D. Anderson through cross-country motorcycle rides, with the support of corporate sponsor Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Last summer’s third annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run found Emanuel- Costley and 2008 DFAC core group riders enduring the elements on an 18-day, 6,014-mile journey. Emanuel-Costley and fellow divas Michelle Hampton, Elaine Thomas, Cynthia Marcy and Aj Coffee, DFAC vice president and ride coordinator, biked from Atlanta to
Canada to the East Coast and back, collectively raising $35,000 through registrations, sales of ‘Divas’ Rev Up Breast Cancer Awareness “Real Divas Ride” patches, sponsorships and donations.

Members of local chapters of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club escorted the women in and out of major stopping points,helping spread their awareness campaign to participants and supporters along the way. An Oct. 25 check presentation at the Harley-Davidson of Ocean County dealership in Lakewood, N.J., celebrated the successful ride. Since 2006, Divas For A Cure has raised $110,000 for research at M. D. Anderson. Emanuel-Costley, a breast cancer survivor, says the organization also is dedicated to promoting early detection through education and screenings.

“The 2009 ride will be another test of endurance, but it also will be a journey from the heart,” she says. Learn more at www.divasforacure.org.

— Sarah Watson