1. Conquering Cancer,
Donate & Contribute
One Step at a Time
Michelle’s Angels was formed in 2005 by Tiffany Barber to
support her sister, Michelle Bynum, and other women like
her, who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the prime
of their lives. Like so many young women, Michelle was
misdiagnosed for two years by her OBGYN doctor.
F or years, she was told that the lump was
nothing, just changes in her breast or
milk. After breast feeding her infant son, Reid,
Michelle demanded a mammogram to get a
closer look at the lump she had been feeling.
Her doctor’s words “You are too young... the
techs will laugh…” were, unfortunately, very
wrong. She was diagnosed with stage 3C
breast cancer and spent three years in treat-
ment (chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy
and reconstruction). The cancer seemed to
‘Michelle’s Angels’ raise awareness that breast cancer is not an old woman’s disease. They walk in honor of those fighting, as well as in memory of those who have valiantly fought and are no longer with us.
be in remission, but in 2008, it returned in the “We walk to remind everyone that there is a happy, wonderful life after a cancer diagnosis. Michelle’s Angels has raised over $65,000 with its ‘Sea of Pink’ survivors, living life and uniting to find a cure!””
form of metastatic breast cancer, now in her Michelle Bynum (image courtesy: www.MichellesAngels.net)
bones, liver and chest. There was no need for
A mazon Heart Thunder is a key supporter of
Michelle’s story to be like this.
Michelle’s Angels.
Michelle’s Angels walk to raise awareness
In 2004, twenty young breast cancer survi-
that breast cancer is a disease of women, old
vors challenged themselves to a 1,000mmile
and young alike. They walk in honor of those
ride on Harley-Davidson motorcycles from
currently fighting, and, in memory of those who
San Diego to San Francisco, forming life-long
fought valiantly and are no longer with us, and
friendships, gaining support and strength in
as a reminder that there is a happy, wonderful
dealing with their breast cancer experience,
life after a cancer diagnosis.
and raising vital funds for awareness of breast
cancer issues. This ride later expanded in
Since its inception, Michelle’s Angels has
2005 to become a Global Relay with 1,000
successfully raised over $70,000 towards
mile rides in the United Kingdom, the US and
treatment, research, and awareness in the fight
Australia, involving 48 young breast cancer
against breast cancer.
survivors from around the world. In 2006, they
became the Amazon Heart Thunder.
“I don’t want to waste my cancer. I am
dedicated to creating something positive out
Harley-Davidson generously sponsors
of this negative situation through Michelle’s
these rides around the world by giving each
Angels. I have worked hard to look for silver
participant leather riding jackets and lending
linings, to this hand of cards I have been dealt.
a brand new motorcycles for each rider.
If my ordeal can attract attention to the cause,
Harley-Davidson generously sponsor the rides around the world and provides brand new Harley-Davidson motorcycles
or get someone to seek a second opinion, a for each rider, along with Harley-Davidson riding jackets. (images - courtesy of Amazon Heart Thunder)
Participants pay for their travel to the
mammogram or a biopsy, then we are making
event and commit to raising at least $1,500 in
headway. I hope my story will inspire someone Amazon Heart Thunder has organized 10 motorcycle adventures for breast cancer survivors with 109 women
donations for breast cancer causes. All riders
to live their life to the fullest, and get active from around the world. 23 women have travelled outside their home country to participate, 20 have
learned to ride and 48 have returned for a second (or more) Amazon Heart Thunder ride.
must be breast cancer survivors, and riders of
(if I can do it, anyone can do it!) or put their
all experience levels are welcome. Each year,
problems really into perspective.”
more women learn to ride in order to take part.
- Michelle Bynum
www.AmazonHeart.org
www.MichellesAngels.net
Tel +1.408.916.1122
Tel +1.512.473.0900
1 Best of DC Best of DC 117
Michelle Bynum was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer when she was just 33 years old. In 2005, her sister Tiffany Barber formed
“Michelle’s Angels” to support Michelle by increasing awareness and fundraising to support cancer research