HOUSTON – Three years ago, Debbie Stokes was ready to ride.
The 3rd Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer event didn’t attract her attention because she was an avid rider eager to join the hundreds of men and women who would “rev up” in support of The Rose. Arthritis made long rides like the then 45-miles covered by the BABC painful to even consider. But she was the mother of Elizabeth, and that was all the incentive she needed.
In 2011, 21-year-old Elizabeth Stokes was battling breast cancer. And, according to Debbie, her daughter is alive today because of the breast health organization that provides services for the insured and uninsured. So a Mothers Day weekend of riding and raising money for other young women in need of The Rose’s help seemed like a great way to honor her daughter’s struggle.
When Elizabeth found a lump during a routine breast self exam, she was uninsured and soon found her way to The Rose. A mammogram, ultrasound, and a biopsy later, she got the news from Dr. Dixie Melillo, her physician and the Co-founder of The Rose.
The new mother of beautiful, blue-eyed Aiden had breast cancer.
Debbie confesses her first thought was “Why not me?” and described the experience as “the hardest thing a parent can see her child go through.” Elizabeth points to her mother’s constant support, her reminders that
‘Failure is not an option,’” and the desire to watch Aiden grow up as her inspiration for facing each health challenge that came her way during treatment.
Now 25, Elizabeth lives in Baytown and has completed the first stage of reconstructive surgery, gotten a job where she is insured and inspired to explore classes in occupational safety and health, started a relationship with a fellow cancer survivor, and marvels at how fast Aiden, now 4 years old and in preschool, is growing.
With a philosophy of “living life to the fullest,” she values spending fun times with Aiden – his newest passion is flying remote planes and rockets – and surrounding herself with the family and friends who have shown her so much love and support during her journey.
In fact, when asked what she would say to the younger version of her newly diagnosed self if she could travel back and provide advice, the usually reserved young mother knew exactly what it would be, “Life s going to be pretty rough,” she said. “But it gets a lot better. It’s a struggle, but as long as I have people around me who love me I can make it through anything.”
A lesson learned from her own mother perhaps, and one certainly worthy of passing along to the next generation.
Bikers Against Breast Cancer launched in theHoustonarea in 2009. The committee consists of volunteers, assisted by The Rose staff. In its five-year history, BABC has raised a total of more than $250,000 to benefit The Rose.
The 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer on May 10 at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson (3636 E. Sam Houston Parkway South, Pasadena, TX 77505) will highlight the stories of six women who make up a part of The Rose community and will focus on raising funds for Young Women’s Services. According the Dorothy Gibbons, the CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose, young women represent the most underserved population. With just under 7% of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old, most state and national funding focuses on women above the 40 year mark. The Rose has maintained a commitment to serving all women – regardless of age and ability to pay – since 1986.
For more information on the 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer including options to fundraise, sponsor the event, and/or provide auction items, go to www.TheRose.org/events or email [email protected].
