CYPRESS – Barbara Burcham has ridden in the Bikers Against Breast Cancer events since the second year of the annual fundraiser supporting The Rose. But 2014’s 6th Annual BABC will carry much more meaning to her and husband Joey. This time they are riding for women like Barbara.
“This year’s ride is going to be different for me,” Barbara wrote in her registration email to The Rose, the nonprofit breast health organization that provides services to the insured and the uninsured. “I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Ductal Breast cancer in June.”
Since the diagnosis, Barbara has traveled a road filled with chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, a mastectomy, and, most recently, radiation.
Though she delayed reconstruction because “my body just couldn’t take any more,” Barbara’s determination is tireless.
“I am alive, and this year’s ride is going to be a very emotional, thankful one for me and my husband, who has been right there with me (and still is) during this journey,” said the Cypress resident who acknowledges that in previous years at the BABC she was inspired by the survivors and the “reverence” shown by the 100s of individuals riding in honor of them.
The Senior Underwriting Associate at Hanover Insurance will have recently celebrated her 16th wedding anniversary when she and Joey join the anticipated 600 riders at the May 10th 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer 60-mile trek in support of The Rose. The nonprofit breast health organization now includes two centers and a fleet of mobile vans that provide breast health services to 25 counties. She will be encouraging the friends and coworkers who were so supportive of her during her treatment to also participate in the ride – as fellow riders, Ghost Riders, or donors/fundraisers.
“I look at my body now, see the changes like my nails and hair coming back, and I realize my body is coming back to life and I’m coming back to life,” Barbara explained. “I want people to know that I rode in this ride for four years as a participant who believed in the cause and wanted to help promote breast cancer awareness. Now, I ride because I’m one who has been through it, and made it, I’m alive. I’m riding as a survivor this year and it’s mind-blowing.”
Barbara will be featured as one of the six “Women of The Rose” – survivors who will highlighted during the opening ceremonies and at cheer stations along the route. Barbara will represent riders while two others represent sponsors and the insured women who choose The Rose in support of those who are uninsured. Three of the six will help riders put a face on the Young Women’s Services to which the funds raised this year will be directed. According to 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.
“We ride a lot but we have to believe in the cause,” Barbara said of her and husband Joey’s commitment. “I liked that we were helping to raise money for those who might be affected by breast cancer. I always said, ‘It could be me.’”
“During the worst, I focused on my faith and positive things – places I wanted to go, seeing my grandson, the thought of this year’s ride. It’s going to be a great ride!”
The 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer on May 10th begins at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson (3636 E. Sam Houston Parkway South, Pasadena, TX 77505).
Bikers Against Breast Cancer launched in the Houstonarea 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. For more information on the 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer including options to fundraise, sponsor the event, provide auction items, or register as a rider or Ghost Rider, go to www.TheRose.org/events or email [email protected].
