Happy Alma's Day!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006


Today in Houston we are celebrating "Alma Alfred's Day." Alma's coworkers at United Space Alliance at the Johnson Space Center in Houston set aside this day in recognition of Alma, who is still in the fight.

Please join us as we celebrate Alma’s courageous spirit, which is as beautiful as her smile.

DFAC with Bestselling Author Eric Jerome Dickey

Saturday, October 07, 2006


Bookclub In Your Pocket Featuring ...

New York Times Bestselling Author Eric Jerome Dickey discussing his book Chasing Destiny & the Divas For A Cure organization discussing the 2006 Divas Ride For A Cure Motorcycle Run for Breast Cancer with Kathy Erickson from Swedish American Women's Health Center in Rockford, IL.

Click Here to Listen

Mission Accomplished!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

We are pleased to announce the mission was accomplished. We arrived safely to Oakland, CA at 5:45 PM on Monday, August 14, 2006!

DFAC made all of it's sponsored stops, dealership obligations, honored it's commitments, made every stop on the Official 2006 DFAC Published Route and one extra - - on time! The cumulative total for donations collected has not yet been tallied but are estimated at approximately $25,000.

We were interviewed by more than 6 television networks, several different newspapers, and several radio stations and also filmed three short documentaries with independent video producers at and/or near the NBR in Florida. We also recorded a Breast Cancer Awareness Podcast with TrimCom & Swedish American Medical Foundation, soon to be released to the internet.

The ride was long (8,593 miles) and hot (temperatures ranging from 90 -120 degrees, rain, thunder and lightening storms, and even hail).

Divas For A Cure – “DFAC” (Jan Emanuel, Aj Jemison, and Michael Proctor) along with Harry Howard, Chase Vehicle Driver and another rider (Linden Bob, Pick-up Rider) keep to the mission (“Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness & Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research”).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Completed the entire Official 2006 DFAC Published Route:

Jan Emanuel, DFAC Founder & President
Michael Proctor, DFAC Advisory Board Member & 2006 Road Captain
Harry Howard, Chase Vehicle Driver

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aj Jemison, DFAC Board of Directors, Secretary

Aj Jemison completed her committment to ride the 1st leg of the run (San Francisco to Florida) and fly back to California. She continues to champion the cause and is currently organizing fundraising efforts on behalf of DFAC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Linden Bob, Pick-Up Rider

Bob started his journey in Newark, NJ and road all the way to San Francisco, CA to ride with DFAC on our cross country mission and ended his route with DFAC in New York.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although some of the participants did not complete the entire ride with DFAC, we would like to acknowledge and thank everyone that participated.
  • Judy-Ann Young, Core Group Rider (departed from DFAC in Childress, TX)
  • Kim Terrell, Core Group Rider (departed from DFAC in Childress, TX)
  • Tammy Bisconer, Core Group Rider (departed from DFAC in Childress, TX)
  • Gayle Merritt, Core Group Rider (departed from DFAC in Childress, TX)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Mary Lowery, Core Group Rider (departed from DFAC in Westly, CA)

Home Again, Home Again...

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Photos From Mike Smith:

Some pix from today, hope you enjoy. We had fun fun fun.







Day 23 - The Final Stretch

Monday, August 14, 2006

I spoke to Jan last night, and she was in Utah. They are expected home today. I will update the blog to let you all know they have returned both safe and victorious!

To God be the Glory!!!

A Diva's Prayer...

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Update (08/15/06):

I want to thank each and every one of you that said prays and positive messages regarding my diagnosis. The devil was busy but God and His hands are more powerful and today I am cancer free. I am now scheduled for reconstruction (I have no breast now) and will be presenting the ladies shortly. Sesamestreet

Sandra Jackson (aka Sesamestreet)
Seriously Sick Individauals, M.C. (SSI)



Today I am asking that all Divas and Dudes supporting Divas, send up a special prayer for our sister-diva SJ. She is having surgery today. May the Lord give her peace, grace, comfort and healing.

  • Sesamestreet said...
    Pam, I was reviewing where the group was tonite and realize that they will be in my home town on Aug 9. That a special date for me for this is my surgery date for my mastectomy.

Buffalo Soldiers of Roanoke, VA. Donate $1,600.00!!!

Saturday, August 05, 2006


Divas For a Cure receive another check for $1,600.00 from the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Roanoke, VA. This check was presented to us at the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers Meeting during the National Biker's Round-Up

Photos of the Divas

--------------- Original Message Follows ------------------
From: Kathy Hurwitz
Date: 8/4/2006 07:39 PM (Central Standard Time)
To: divasforacure@pageturner.net
Subject: Photos of the Divas



















Hi, I'm Kathy... I rode up from San Francisco to join the ride from San Francisco to So. Cal. with two others, Stella and Debbie. Here are some photos I took. I am sorry I had to drop out from the heat but my heart and soul is with the group and wish them a safe ride and a great trip to remember! I might have to send them in a couple of e-mails.

Kathy Hurwitz









STAY FOCUSED ON THE MISSION

Tuesday, August 01, 2006


Words of Encouragement From Holly .....




From: HHOLLO3235
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 2:14 PM
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: STAY FOCUSED ON THE MISSION

As one who respects your mission, and as a rider who has completed a few long distance runs, I feel compelled to say "hello it has been about 5-6 days since you started out", and to share with you as to how my frustrations were increasing about this time on my journey.

It must have been a combination of the high temperatures, rain,wind, anxiety, and the testosterone(there were no females with us, if there had been females, perhaps estrogen and progesterone would have been present). To make a long story short, we got so caught up in ourselves, that we almost lost sight of our mission. It was not about us, but about the mission.

You are on a noble mission, and I am sure that there are others who are waiting to hear of the success of your run, because they want to join in with you next year, myself included. So go girls and guys do the run, bring home the results, pictures, stories and memories. Then get busy organizing for next year. This can be as big as Rip's Diabetes Run. When organizing for next please include the Northeast, keep my email address. Settle into the saddle and ride.

Holly

Diva Drama

Recently some of the core riders elected to leave the group. All things considered, there is no shame in not being able to make the complete ride. I applaud all of the original diva core riders for their effort to support this cause.

  1. This is a long, rough ride and
  2. There are rules in place for the safety of all involved.

The Divas have been though record-breaking heat, thunderstorms, and even hail storms. This certainly is not a vacation; there was no promise of fun. It is a sacrifice of extreme proportions; it is most definitely passion with a purpose.

The official slogan appropriately is -

"Do you have what it takes to ride with a Diva?"

I will quote Yoda (from Star Wars)

"You either do, or you do not, there is no try."

Those Divas who remain on this ride defiantly have what it takes. Period. There is no room for negative energy here. We are moving forward with purpose.

So, not to waste your time or mind, here are the rules of this Blog:

  1. There is no need to hate – get over it.
  2. Do not attempt to post anonymous-negative comments to this Blog, they will be laughed at and deleted.

So Divas, ride on! And know that you have our admiration, love and support.

July 29, 2006 - H-Town! (Houston, TX)

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Press Release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/7/prweb417991.htm





The Galveston Daily News

Friday, July 28, 2006




http://galvestondailynews.com/calendar.lasso

Divas for a Cure fundraiser

Divas for a Cure, a group of women motorcyclists will have a fundraiser for the awareness for breast cancer research. They will be at the Front Door Club from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at 6106 state Highway 1765 in Texas City. Proceeds will be dedicated to breast cancer research, facilitating community health fairs for mobile breasts examinations, producing cancer educational materials and wig donations to women enduring chemotherapy. The services are primarily for women who don’t seek or receive medical attention due to socioeconomic conditions.

Call 281-954-3012 or e-mail, divasforacure@pageturner.net.

Dallas, TX - July 28, 2006





Dallas Harley-Davidson
1334 W Centerville Road
Garland, TX 75041

Albuquerque, NM - Thursday July 27

Thursday, July 27, 2006


'Divas' ride for breast cancer awareness
The Arizona Republic Newspaper



http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0729buzz-bizbuzz0729.html
Jul. 29, 2006 12:00 AM

This is a story about breast cancer, divas and one long motorcycle trip.

Seven members of Divas For A Cure, a group of California women who ride Harley-Davidsons, took time off from their jobs and personal lives and set out on a 23-day ride across the country and back to raise awareness and money to fight breast cancer.

They blew into Phoenix (literally) during the nasty monsoon storm Wednesday night, then headed to a brief fund-raiser Thursday at Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson.
They stayed long enough to raise $1,500 before heading out to Albuquerque, accompanied by two members of the Gypsy Riders, a female biker group from Phoenix.

"We are honored to have these amazing women stop at our dealership on their way across country," said Buddy Stubbs, who has owned the Harley dealership for 40 years. "Twenty-three days on a bike is a labor of love and we are proud to aid their cause."



All of the Divas' members either have suffered from breast cancer or have had family members stricken by the disease. Two had to drop out before the ride to undergo chemotherapy treatments and surgery, and another faces surgery at the end of the trip.

Proceeds from the ride will fund health fairs and educational materials, wig donations for women enduring chemotherapy and mobile breast exams.

"It is critical to do what we can to educate our community in the early prevention and education of breast cancer," said Oakland resident Jan Emanuel, a breast cancer survivor and founder of Divas For A Cure.



Thunderbird
Harley-Davidson/
Buell
5000 Alameda Boulevard N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87113
ThunderbirdHD.com

More Details to Come

THE DIVAS COME TO VEGAS - Tuesday, July 25

Wednesday, July 26, 2006



Report by Sandra Jackson (aka Sesamestreet)
Seriously Sick Individauals, M.C. (SSI)

On Monday, July 24, 2006 the DIVAS FOR A CURE, arrived at POPPAS Bar and Grill to the applause of supporters. Sunny said it was at least 120 degrees coming through the desert and hot was an understatement. At least 100 bikers from different clubs and at least 150 regular folks greeted Jan Emanuel, (Sunny) the founder of DIVAS for a Cure and the other dedicated riders.

For those of you new to the DIVAS FOR A CURE, these dedicated souls traveling from the San Francisco Bay area to Florida, to New York and back, are raising funds and awareness to aid in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer.

The owner of POPPAS was on hand and donated funds collected from raffles and other items available to the supporter.



I was planning to ride with Sunny but due to findings on my mammogram and now my upcoming surgery my spirit will ride along side her as her co-pilot.


If you want to read more about Sesamestreet go to www.courage-unlimited.faithweb.com

Click Here to View the Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25899742@N00/sets/72157594213511357/

(FYI: I am in the midst of adding captions to them - so keep checking back - Pam)

DIVAS FOR A CURE- - - FIRST STOP WESTLY HWY 5

From: LONNIE GARRISON (beaver doctor )
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 4:02 PM
To: Jan Emanuel, ACS
Subject: DIVAS FOR A CURE- - - FIRST STOP WESTLY HWY 5









SUNNY FIRST RIDE SAFE LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE TO
OTHERS, SECOND HAVE A HELL OFF A TIME !

BEAVER DOCTOR

Click Here to See the Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25899742@N00/sets/72157594213402389/

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




Words of Encouragement

-----Original Message-----
From: White, Mai
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 12:29 PM
To: Walker-Williams, Pamela
Subject: RE: Diva Blog

DFAC:

This is the beginning of something that will grow and grow. You ladies (and gents) are the forerunners of something that will be remembered in history. You inspire us to push ourselves beyond whatever limits we place on ourselves. Keep riding!!

Women Bikers Rock!!

Mai


-----Original Message-----
From: Kim Bond
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 8:32 AM
To: Walker-Williams, Pamela

Subject: RE: Diva Blog

BEST OF LUCK TO THE DIVAS!! WHAT A FABULOUS THING TO DO. AS THE CHILD OF A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, I APPLAUD YOUR COURAGE AND DETERMINATION!

Kim from ‘The Rolling On The River City, Memphis’
Kim Wilson Bond
Sales & Marketing Manager
Memphis Cook Convention Center
255 N. Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103-1623
www.memphisconvention.com
http://www.thecannoncenter.com/


If you have have photos of the Divas or want to share words of encouragement please send them to: divasforacure@pageturner.net!

Laughlin, NV -- 116 degrees ...Whew!

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

The Divas were in Sin City today, a.k.a. Las Vegas, at the Las Vegas Harley Davidson Dealership. The city was very receptive to the Divas and made a generous donation to the cause. In addition, the Divas sold DFC patches.

Jan called to check in, she was fussing. Evidently, keeping a group of Divas on point is quite a task.

I am confident that they will all come together for their common cause.

They were in Laughlin, NV. Laughlin is a small resort town on the banks of the Colorado located at the southern tip of Nevada 90 miles south of Las Vegas .

Yeah, it is still hot. Poor Divas.

But you know they are on a mission!!! They will endure.

Here is an e-mail I received today from a supporter in Las Vegas..

. --------------- Original Message Follows ------------------

From: S J
Date: 7/25/2006 08:33 PM (Central Standard Time)
Subject: Divas for a Cure


I saw Sunny last night and this morning and she is doing well. The trip was ruff but they make it with the angels wings. I'm sending pic for you. Sesamestreet.

Sandra Jackson (aka Sesamestreet)
Seriously Sick Individauals, M.C. (SSI)
Las Vegas

'Motorcycle Divas' Ride, Raise Money For Cancer

Monday, July 24, 2006


http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_205180850.html

Jul 24, 2006 3:04 pm US/Pacific

'Motorcycle Divas' Ride, Raise Money For Cancer





(CBS) LOS ANGELES Six "motorcycle divas," led by a woman who's survived three bouts of cancer, stopped in the Southland Monday on the second day of their cross-country tour to raise money for breast cancer research.

The 23-day "Divas Ride For A Cure” kicked off Monday in San Francisco and 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 would support 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.

(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Monday July 24th - It's Getting Hot in Here

Jan just called. She is laying out somewhere is some dessert. She said it is really hot, and I believe her. This is just the second day of a really hard ride, so she is just getting a preview of what is in store. Let us all pray, that this is the worst of the ride, and that she will have safe and secure passage for the remainder of her journey.

Here are some photos from the start of their journey (Photos by Mike Smith).






---Original Message-----
From: Mike Smith
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 11:24 PM
To: pwsquare@pageturner.net

Subject: Hey Miss Pam

My pix I sent show the arrival, ceremony, and take off.

Miss Jan looked so great,everyone there was so together and respectful.

What a strong group of people

The last picture I sent was of Jan's children. All toghether, and all crying, so we hung out a little after the riders were gone.



I don't know if that would make Jan sad or not. But everything was cool.

Click Here to See all the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25899742@N00/sets/72157594213429798/

-----------
July 23, 2006

Divas Ride For A Cure

Over the next 23 days, I will be riding for a cure for breast cancer and will be visiting 17 cities in 13 states across the U.S. on my Harley Davidson HD06 Street Glide motorcycle.
I am a member of the Divas for a Cure, an amazing non-profit organization committed to promoting education, early detection and research for a cure for cancer of any kind. This first annual cross country breast cancer ride will help raise money for the organization’s goals and a cure.

After buying a bike as a special birthday present to myself years ago, I became hooked on riding, and motorcycles have become my passion. I have an adventurous spirit and love the thrill of an adrenalin rush: from bungee jumping to roller-coasters. I’ll try just about anything once. It was great to find Real Divas Ride, a group of professional and inspiring women who share the hobby of riding. These woman and other volunteers have come together to participate in this first annual Divas for a Cure ride.

To me, The Breast Cancer Ride is a once in a life time event. Aside from the adventure of riding across America, the real thrill for me is riding for the cause and the opportunity to support such a positive thing, especially for women. I’m a diverse person and I love people. I’m looking forward to all the stories that will be told along the way and those that I get to bring back with me and hold close to my heart and tell my kids and someday my grandkids about. It’s such a neat thing.

The cause is close to me. I’ve lost several family members and a dear friend to cancer. We get so busy with our careers we often forget to take care of ourselves. Spreading the word about the importance of exams and helping educate women without health insurance is part of our mission. My personal goal is to raise $5,000 in sponsorships for the organization.

The ride kicks off on July 23 from the Dudley Perkins Company in San Francisco and continues on through cities such as Las Vegas, NV; Houston, TX; Pensacola, FL; Washington, DC; and New York, NY and will end up back in Oakland on August 14.

If you happen to see us on the road, honk to show your support of the cause!


Kim Terrell … “Special K”
 
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