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

Divas For A Cure Check Presentation: $35,000.00 for Breast Cancer Research

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, Divas For A Cure accompanied by the NJ Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Family, Friends & DFAC Supporters presented a check to Bill Alexander of M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center for $35,000.00 at the Harley-Davidson of Ocean County dealership in Lakewood, NJ.

The proceeds from this years' run will be dedicated solely to Breast Cancer Research. This is a small token but a big commitment in the huge struggle for many of us who continue to be plagued with health issues as a result of the fight. Cancer does not discriminate - - but we have made many strives and many of us are still here as a result of the advances and developments of new technology, treatments and medicines developed from research. Countless lives will be saved also as a result of early detection. Elaine Thomas "Hunter" a member of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Poconos Chapter said it best, "We want a cure in our lifetime!"

Elaine "Hunter" Thomas (2008 DFAC Diva Rider) and Les "Chase" Thomas (2008 DFAC Chase Vehicle Driver) drove in from the Poconos. Michelle "Queen of Hearts (2008 DFAC Diva Rider) & Anthony "Joker" Hampton flew in from Atlantato celebrate with us. John "Morphius" Tucker and his wife drove in to represent from the Central Virginia Buffalo Soldiers Chapter. Karina Jaramillo-Saa, Manager, Market Outreach at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee Corporate Headquarters joined us as well. Thomas "TC" Costley, National President (2008 DFAC RoadCaptain) represented on behalf of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club. Nate Gundy, President of the New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers accompanied by 20+ members and associates represented as only real SOLDIERS do.

A special thank you goes out to Asa Murray, owner of the Harley-Davidson of Ocean County dealership for hosting the 2008 Divas For A Cure Check Presentation.

Since the struggle is not over - we have made a commitment to continue a good fight until there is a cure. We hope you will join us in 2009.

Again, thank you to all of you (especially those of you in the motorcycle community) who have supported us along the way and for making this struggle and journey a little easier. I am truly thankful to all of you and for "God's Grace". I am very proud to be a Diva and a Soldier.

Jan Emanuel-Costley, Founder & President
Divas For a Cure

Patti's Preventers

This past weekend family and friends of Patti Cauthen participated in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk" in Houston, TX. Patti was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will be undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson in Houston.

In honor of his mother, Clayton Cauthen, organized a group of walkers that included friends and family and raised more than $1,200.00 for this honorable cause.

Patti's co-workers and friends showed their support on Friday, October 10th, by all wearing their "Patti Preventers " t-shirts to work at United Space Alliance at the Johnson Space Center.

Patti and Clayton
Congratulations to Clayton for a job well done!

Patti's Preventers
We are all praying for Patti, and look forward to her victory and recovery!

Divas For A Cure Featured on Comcast Newmakers

Riding For A Cure and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research is No Vacation!

Written By: Jan Emanuel-Costley
(Founder & President - Divas For A Cure)

"Riding For A Cure and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research is No Vacation!" I couldn’t agree more.

The average individual cost to participate as a Chore Group Rider is approximaely $3,000.00. So, are you still convinced “You have what it takes to ride with a Diva?”

Do you have any CLUE as to what you are really committing yourself to?

Here a few things to consider...
1st Clue should be the Tag Line – “Do You Have What It Takes To Ride With A Diva?”
2nd Clue…6000 miles in 22 days (an average of 450 miles per day)
3rd Clue…The Route, Rules of the Road and Requirements
4th Clue…Chore Group Riders must apply to participate - (Rider Letter of Interest, Commitment to the Full Route and Financial Ability)
5th Clue…ALL 2008 DFAC Core Group Participants (Riders, Chase Vehicle Driver and Road Captain) must review, agree and sign the following documents):

• 2008 Waiver & Release of Liability
• DFAC Emergency Contact List
• DFAC Disclosure & Check List
• DFAC Packing List

If you have additional questions, please refer to the 2008 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for more details or the Directory Page on the website at www.DivasForACure.org

Well, if you still think that the Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is a fun filled adventure and guided tour across the United States - - you are sadly mistaken and will be greatly disappointed. Nor is it a marathon shopping tour with leisure riding, overnight stays at bed and breakfast inns, hotels and spas with a few women and men who don’t have day jobs. It is an intense 22-day fundraising campaign where the riders volunteer their time to participate and pay their own way. A true non-profit event.

Divas For A Cure “DFAC” is not a motorcycle Club. DFAC is a non-profit public benefit corporation. The DFAC Signature Event is an organized Breast Cancer Run established in 2005 to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, Early Detection and to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.

The Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is an AMA sanctioned and insured event. The Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is not a Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club Event but is supported by the volunteer participation of many of the members of various chapters along the route each year. This event is underwritten by various corporate sponsors and officially escorted by designated members of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club who volunteer their time and talent to help support the cause. All Pick-Up Riders and Escorts must pay a $35.00 Rider Registration Fee and also sign the AMA/DFAC Waiver & Release.

The DFAC Route and Meet & Greet Schedules are pre-determined and marketed to the general public and corporate sponsors 6-8 months prior to departing. The Route schedule is determined based on sponsored stops (Meet & Greets and Media Appearances). Daily departure times and riding schedule will fluctuate and will be based on distance, road/traffic, weather and riding conditions. An average riding day is generally 8 hours (which includes breakfast and/or lunch and brief fuel and rest stops). Meet & Greet stops average 2-1/2 hours per sponsored stop.

The Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is just one of many events throughout the year that help to continue the mission and served the community. The 8 month planning process is managed by the Jan Emanuel-Costley (Founder & President and DFAC Spokesperson) and Aj Coffee (Vice-President & Logistics Coordinator) along with various other volunteers who donate their time and talent to soliciting corporate sponsorship, rider participation, email marketing, website maintenance and corresponding to various email communications.

Much of the DFAC Operating & Administrative Costs are funded through corporate sponsorship and primarily through the sales of DFAC Lapel Pens, Patches and other Breast Cancer Merchandise throughout the year.

There are no paid salaries. Everyone is a volunteer (Board of Directors, Founder & President, Riders, and other Participants). All of the Riders/Participants are required to pay their own way to participate in the Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run.

Each year, I personally fund and donate my time and talent and the use of my SUV and Trailer, as well as also pay my own personal expenses to participate in the DFAC event.

Estimated Cost:
• Gas for SUV - $3,100.00
• SUV – Maintenance/Oil Change - $500.00
• Trailer - Tires/Servicing - $350.00
• Hotel (Average Cost For Shared Hotel Accommodations for 2 People) - $1,900
• Road Captain Gas - Motorcycle - $533.00
• Founder & President Gas - Motorcycle - $650.00
• Tolls - SUV, Trailer & Motorcycle - $250.00
• Meals - $500.00

Donated and/or Funded By Jan Emanuel-Costley & TC Costley - $7,783.00

In hindsight, I have no regrets for my commitment to Divas For A Cure. I understand that as the Founder & President of Divas For A Cure - I am ultimately responsible for all aspects of the organization. I accept the challenges that comes with being a leader as well as the financial, legal and fiduciary responsibility that comes with managing a non-profit organization.

I also realize that at the end of the day when all is said and done there will always be a few who will criticize you and some who will applaud your efforts. Therefore, it is with that knowledge that I remain focused on the mission “Breast Cancer Awareness, Promoting Early Detection and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research.”

There will always be ups and downs to any grassroots organization – so I will continue to count it all JOY! At the end of our 2008 campaign we will be able to celebrate our collective efforts by writing a check to the Breast Cancer Research Center for more than $30,000.00. We are still collecting funds and will keep you posted on our continued fundraising efforts.

Peace & Abundant Blessings,

Jan Emanuel-Costley,
Founder & President - Divas For A Cure
"I'm not just a Rider - I'm also a Survivor!"

Survivors We Met Along The Route in 2008

Words of Encouragement from Gary Hudgins

From: Gary Hudgins
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 19:28:01 EDT
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: I saw you in Raleigh NC today

Hi Ladies, I was on my way home form work today and saw you on I-40 east heading into Raleigh, NC around 5:15pm. What a sight to see plus what an organization to find out about. I have never heard of you and decided to look up your web site when I logged on. I tried to toot my horn and give the thumbs-up to you but traffic was backing up and I could not get close. My mother who is an amazing lady has survived not one but two cancers. In 1980 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and championed her way through the ordeal. Three years ago in 2005 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent an elective double mastectomy. Not to forget that 3 years prior to her diagnosis with breast cancer, my sister was also diagnosed with the disease and had a double mastectomy. Thankfully with testing I have been cleared by my doctor from carrying the gene...I guess we will see huh? But seeing you ride through town gave me chills in a happy way and made me realize the you are a hero to someone in your lives like my mom is my hero in my life. My mom however does not ride a "bike" and currently does not work due to being simply beat down by cancer. But she keeps on going and making her way through life. She can no longer work and is retired and is taking care of her husband who is also retired but is now suffering from strokes. So it was really great seeing strong and determined ladies making a difference by bringing awareness and raising funds to support research which sadly is not funded by our government. Good luck on your journey and be safe while riding the highways of our great country.

Warmest regards. Gary Hudgins - Morrisville, NC

Words of Encouragement from Melanie Hollar

------Original Message------
From: Melanie Hollar
To: Jan "Sunny" Emanuel-Costley
Sent: Aug 4, 2008 9:18 PM
Subject: Saw you on the rode

I was driving home from work today and saw about 8 women on motorcycles---each one had "Buffalo Soldiers on their jackets....I am a woman harley rider myself and the greatest part is that I am an oncology nurse!! I am a big advocate for cancer (esp. colon cancer b/c my first husband died 6 years ago at the age of 35 with colon cancer). I am studying to become a breast cancer certified oncology nurse for the Spring 2009----thought this was awesome when I saw it on the road today and came home to look up the website that I saw on the trailor following the women!!!! Thanks for all you do!!!! Wish I could ride some day with the
group.

Melanie Hollar, RN, BSN, OCN

Words of Encouragement from Kimberley Szobody

From: Szobody,Kimberley
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:42 AM
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: Hello All

I just saw a Divas for a Cure group riding on I-69 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a breast cancer survivor, (I was 32 when I was diagnosed - seven years ago) I had to see what your organization was about! Go Divas Go!!!! :>)

Kim Szobody

Buffalo Soldiers honor the warriors aboard Flight 93

http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2008/08/02/video_galleries/video678.txt



Buffalo Soldiers honor the warriors aboard Flight 93
By MICHELLE GANASSI
Daily American Staff Writer

Friday, August 1, 2008 5:54 AM EDT

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

STONYCREEK TOWNSHIP — More than 200 motorcycles roared to the Flight 93 temporary memorial Thursday.

The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club formed a line about a mile long when they traveled from Seven Springs to the memorial to pay tribute to the heroes of Flight 93. The majority of the members, who represent chapters from across the United States, visited the site for the first time Thursday, club founder Ken Thomas said.

“For a lot of us, this is our first time visiting Pennsylvania,” he said.

The group marched down to the site in formation and presented a wreath.

Barbara Black, memorial archivist, said the National Park Service was privileged and proud the group visited the memorial.

“The Buffalo Soldiers have been lovers of freedom and bravery and courage,” she said, addressing the crowd. “Just as the passengers and crew of Flight 93 were as well.”

National President Thomas Costley said, like the Buffalo Soldiers, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 fought a battle.

“But unlike the Buffalo Soldiers, the 33 passengers and seven crew members did not have a .45-caliber strapped to their hip or a rifle on their horse,” he said. “They had to come up with an idea and a strategy in a matter of moments. This is a battle field indeed. There was a battle before their death. They did all they could to save other Americans. We have to recognize these heroes as much as we recognize any hero we read about in history books.”

Thomas encouraged people to learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of former slaves, freeman and black Civil War soldiers who served America during peacetime.

“We love our country,” he told the crowd. “That’s why we are here.”

The group also gave the park service $500 for the construction of the Flight 93 National Memorial.

“This will help us to build the memorial,” Black said while accepting the check.

After the ceremony, the visitors took time to take photographs and tour the temporary memorial.

William Shields, who was part of the wreath ceremony, said he was moved by his first visit to the site. He plans on visiting again once the memorial is built.

“This is hallowed ground,” he said. “Shanksville is such a mystical place.”

Sam Pearson of northern Virginia described his first visit to the site as touching and beautiful.

“You can’t really put it into words,” he said. “All I can do is just pray. And say thank you. There were a lot of brave warriors on that flight.”

Part of the run was used to raise money for breast cancer research. Jan Emanuel, a breast cancer survivor from New Jersey, founded the Dare to be a Diva motorcycle run. She said Buffalo Soldier groups in different states help with the ride. She said they meet at Harley Davidson dealerships. In its first two years, they donated $75,000 to cancer research.

“We’re at the halfway point this year and have already raised $23,000,” she said.

Thomas said the motorcycle club is made up of active and retired military personnel, troopers and other law enforcement officers, and white- and blue-collar workers.

“It’s a lot of good people,” he said.

The Somerset County Sheriff’s Department provided an escort from Seven Springs to the site with the help of local law enforcement.

“It was great,” Thomas said. “Their cooperation with us was incredible.”

Sheriff John Mankey said everything went smoothly.

“There wasn’t anything close to an incident,” he said. “Everyone was cooperative. They were a nice group of people, very safe, very nice. We thank everyone involved and everyone who chipped in to make it work.”

(Michelle Ganassi can be reached at michelleg@dailyamerican.com.

National Bikers Round-Up - July 30 - August 2, 2008

Harley-Davidson Experience - Jul 31, 2008

Press Release: Harley-Davidson Revs up Its Support For 31st Annual Bikers Roundup

Source: PR-Net

MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2008) – The roaring sounds of motorcycle engines will be heard in Greensburg, PA from July 30 through August 2 as thousands of motorcyclists and enthusiasts make their way to the 31st Annual National Bikers Roundup. An estimated 150,000 African American motorcyclists from around the country make it an annual ritual to attend the event to reconnect and commune with fellow motorcyclists and to celebrate the history and rich culture African Americans have shared for motorcycles and the sport of motorcycling.

“Harley-Davidson values and embraces all opportunities to improve its relationship with diverse customers. This year marks our eleventh consecutive year of involvement with the Annual National Bikers Roundup. The event has been a great medium for us to build upon the existing relationship we have with our customers,” said Lynn Bonner, director of market outreach, Harley-Davidson.

Event attendees and their families will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of Harley-Davidson themed activities at the Harley-Davidson Experience area that includes:

• Harley-Davidson and Buell Free Demo Rides
• Harley-Davidson “Hot Model™” Competition
• Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Fashion Show
• Tribute to Minorities in Motorcycling Display
• Harley-Davidson Tattoo Parlor
• Women’s Riding Sessions
• Harley-Davidson Daily Drawings for Prizes

In addition to these activities, Harley-Davidson will host a meet and greet in honor of “Divas For A Cure (DFAC).” DFAC is a nonprofit organization that is currently traveling 6,000-miles across the country on motorcycles in an effort to raise money for and bring awareness of breast cancer research. Funds raised from the motorcycle run will be donated to the University of Texas M.D -Anderson Cancer Center. Harley-Davidson is a major supporter of the DFAC effort and will acknowledge the riders as they make a stop at the event.

Harley-Davidson is also proud to announce that motorcycle enthusiast and Hip Hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (of musical group “Run DMC”) is scheduled to be a special guest participating in various Harley-Davidson Experience activities such as the Harley-Davidson Fashion Show and “Hot Model™” competition. Two winners from the “Hot Model™” competition in Greensburg will compete in the finale during Harley-Davidson’s 105^th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in August 2008 for a chance to be featured in the 2009 Harley-Davidson MotorClothes catalogue.

For more information on the 31^st Annual National Bikers Roundup, dates and event times, visit www.nbrkcmo.com. Media requests for interviews and photo ops with Harley-Davidson executives, DMC or Jan Emanuel from Divas For A Cure are available by contacting Charisse Browner at (323) 469.8680 ext 241

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

# # #

In The News - The Bay State Banner

Biker 'Divas' raise funds, not hell, on cycle run

Source: http://www.baystatebanner.com/health19-2008-07-31


(From left): Divas for a Cure Aj Coffee, Elaine Thomas, Jan Emanuel-Costley, Cynthia Marcy and Michelle Hampton rode into Boston Harley-Davidson on Revere Beach Parkway in Everett last Friday. The pit stop and fundraising visit was part the riders’ 6,300-mile road trip promoting their organization’s cause: finding a cure for breast cancer. (Daniela Caride photo)

Jan Emanuel-Costley (left) and Elaine Thomas park their motorcycles in the parking lot of Boston Harley-Davidson in Everett. Their stop, a fundraising event for their nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure, is intended to promote breast cancer awareness in Greater Boston. The riders expect to raise $100,000 for research during their third annual cross-country bike trip, wrapping up Aug. 4. (Daniela Caride photo)

The noise of heavy traffic on Revere Beach Parkway in Everett suddenly gave way to the rumble and roar of dozens of motorcycles. Five women rode their bikes into the Boston Harley-Davidson parking lot, surrounded by a group of bikers clad in black and yellow jackets with “BUFFALO SOLDIERS” emblazoned on the backs. The lot quickly filled with leather, chains and attitude.

Onlookers might have thought the whole scene rolled straight out of “Easy Rider” if it weren’t for one thing: Instead of chasing the bikers, Boston and Everett police escorted them.

Flanked by boys in blue and men in black, the five “Divas for a Cure” made a stop in Greater Boston last Friday. The parking lot visit was part of a 6,300-mile road trip to promote their cause — finding a cure for breast cancer.

“We are simply ordinary women trying to do extraordinary things to impact the lives of women in our community,” says Jan Emanuel-Costley, “and change the image of women in motorcycling.”

Emanuel-Costley, a.k.a. “Sunny The Diva,” is the founder and president of Divas for a Cure. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting early detection, education and screenings, as well as supporting continued research. The motorcycle run is the organization’s key fundraiser.

This year’s third annual trip started when the divas departed from Atlanta on July 16, hitting the road toward North Carolina. The trip took them to Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan, with a stop in Canada, before arriving in Massachusetts. Following their Everett stop, the riders set out for New Jersey and to the National Bikers Roundup in Greensburg, Pa. They are scheduled to return to Atlanta on Aug. 4.

Throughout the motorcycle run, the divas stop at Harley Davidson dealerships to host events where people can make donations or register to ride with the group to the next city. At the events, Emanuel-Costley says, the women raise cancer awareness by advising participants to get regular screenings, sharing their personal experiences with the illness and asking for contributions for breast cancer research.

Emanuel-Costley also matches women diagnosed with breast cancer to volunteers who have gone through the battle to bring these women emotional support.

“Our mission is simple,” says Emanuel-Costley. “Breast cancer awareness and early detection are key to survival. I am living proof.”

Now in her 25th year as a cancer survivor, Emanuel-Costley first had a brain tumor at 16. Then, at 22, she found a lump on one of her breasts and says she had to convince the doctors that it could be malignant. Three months later, she had it extracted.

“They kept saying, ‘It’s probably nothing,’” she remembers. “Had I not insisted, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

Years later, in 1998, Emanuel-Costley was again haunted by cancer. This time, the victim was her aunt, Mary Elizabeth Clemons, who helped raise her. Before Clemons’ death two years later, Emanuel-Costley promised her she would give back to the community. One day in 2005, when someone dared her to go on a cross-country ride, she decided to found Divas for a Cure.

In the ride’s first year, the divas traveled from San Francisco to Florida, up to New York, and back. They raised $25,000. Last year, they went from Los Angeles to Maryland and back, raising $50,000. Each time, the group donated the money to breast cancer research at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

As they reached Massachusetts last Friday, the divas had already raised $44,000. They said they expect to raise around $100,000 this year.

The rewards, they noted, are not only financial.

“This journey has been a treasure of knowledge and growth,” says diva Cynthia Marcy, a.k.a. “Chicago,” a retired former employee of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “People embrace us everywhere we go.”

“It’s been a blast,” adds rider Michelle Hampton, who runs a travel agency and a truck company in Atlanta, Ga.

Emanuel-Costley, Marcy and Hampton, as well as divas Aj Coffee (“Suga Soldier”) and Elaine Thomas (“Hunter”) are enjoying the trip so much that they say they are already committed to rolling together again next year.

“In the motorcycle community, sometimes we are not as proactive about our health because we are living on the edge,” says Emanuel-Costley. “But the earlier the stage, the better your chances. Ninety-five percent of all breast cancer … is curable.”

For more information on the ride and the group’s fundraising efforts, visit www.divasforacure.org.

July 27 -New Jersey

A day of much needed rest!!!

July 26 -Boston to New Jersey

Rhode Runner, President of the Rhode Island Buffalo Soldiers chapter, took over our escort.