November 2010 - Jerry from WY

Why should women take heed when Jerry Bentlage asks them to get regular mammograms? It’s because the annual test likely saved her life — not just once, but twice.

“You have to keep going and you can’t be scared,” Bentlage said. “You can’t hide under the rug.”

“I would talk to anybody who would talk to me when it came time for yearly mammograms,” she said. You’re going to have to deal with it anyway and you don’t want it to be too late.” For Jerry's full story click here

November 2010 - Lena from MI
Thank you very much for your gift. I am doing very well now in my recovery from breast cancer.

Breast cancer runs in my family. My sister’s and my own breast cancer was detected early because we both received yearly mammograms.

My mother, who did not have the advantage of early breast cancer detection by mammogram, died from breast cancer in 1959.

I will do my utmost to spread the word of the Pink Riders mission, and I hope that through your mission, by two great granddaughters who are two years and three months old, will never experience breast cancer.

November 2010 - Rhonda from IL
Thank you so much for the $500 gift. I simply cannot express how grateful I am.

On May 5, 2010, while undressing, I found a lump in my left breast. I was soon diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer. After having a mastectomy, I am now undergoing chemotherapy on a weekly basis. I am a 38 year old wife and mother of three daughters, and I am in the fight of my life.

I thank you for easing our burden--because we have found out the hard way that fighting cancer costs--figuratively and literally. Medicine, childcare, gas, parking, and so many other extra costs on top of our normal financial responsibilities, are difficult to juggle. We've shed lots of tears over the recent months, but your gift gave us cause to shed tears of joy!

Please continue to be such a wonderful resource for women like me. We need you. In turn, I will make sure that my journey will not be in vain. When you need me, I intend to be there.

October 2010 - Catherine from NY
I received my $500 gift a week and a half ago and am finally getting a minute to say thank you thank you thank you!!!

It’s unbelievable how quickly I am burning through the gift card in co-pays and prescriptions, but wow am I grateful that those costs aren’t going to show up on my credit card. I am having a mastectomy (with an expander) this Monday, October 11th. Included is a picture of me after a hike I took right after I found out I had breast cancer. I had chemo all summer so I am a lot balder now.

Again I can’t thank you enough.

September 2010 - Debi from WI
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful work you all do to raise these funds to share with us.

I was diagnosed almost a year ago with stage 3 breast cancer and have undergone 2 surgeries and 12 rounds of chemo and 34 radiation treatments. The medical bills are still rolling in, so you can imagine how helpful it was to receive such a welcomed gift.

I am lucky enough to have a huge support system, with my wonderful husband, many siblings and their spouses and kids, two special step-daughters, two precious grandsons, a loving work family, awesome friends-old and new, and oodles of folks on my mail route cheering me on. But, when a stranger who saw an article about me in our local paper called me to inform me about Pink Ribbon Riders, I hesitated to apply. I felt that there were others who didn't have the support I had and may need the gift more.

I decided to apply, anyway. A girl can never have too much support! I hope there will be many opportunities for me to pay it forward and help others facing breast cancer.

August 2010 - Kathy from MI

I was first diagnosed with Breast cancer in January 2010 after a routine mammogram in December 2009, btw they thought the spot was nothing to worry about, but because my sister had breast cancer and a single mastectomy in 2004, and my mom had breast cancer with a lumpectomy in 1999, they thought they had better make sure. Thank God, because it was caught early enough. I went in for a bi-lateral mastectomy (my choice) February 24th. Because my cancer was Estrogen positive they did an “Oncotype” test on the cancer they removed, this is a very important test that they are doing on this type of cancer – and because of this test and where my numbers were I did not need to go through Chemotherapy, like my sister did. A very dear friend of mine lead me to Pink Ribbon Riders when I was first diagnosed. I filled out the application right away, mailed it in and by the time my Bi-lateral mastectomy was completed I had $500, to put towards my medical bills – this was such a God send for us, because the medical bills were really starting to pile up. I had my reconstruction process completed on the 27th of May, just 3 months after my Breast Cancer removal surgery!

These people at PRR are wonderful people – ready to help and very friendly. Thank you so much for all you do and thank you SO much for all of the sponsors – to some $500 is not a lot – but to us it meant the world!

April 2010 - Lori from NY
I wanted to take the time to thank you for the generous grant that will help me pay for my surgery. It is times like these that we really appreciate the goodness and efforts of organizations such as yours. Last October I found a very small lump in my right breast which spiraled into biopsies, sonograms, MRI's, and finally surgery. The very small lump was cancer, but that did not compare to the DCIS tissue found in subsequent testing, and more cancer in my lymph nodes. It is now April and I am now in my third month of chemo. All of this happened just after I took a new job, changed locations, and bought a new house. My employer and fellow employees are the greatest support I could ever hope for and I have my family to help me through the rough times. I cry for every woman going through this same trauma in their lives. However, I am very optimistic in the future and am extremely grateful for the support of my team. I have enclosed a picture of me and my fiance at our first outing after surgery. (PS The hardest thing I deal with now is finding a good wig to wear).

April 2010 - Tracy
I cried when I received the generous gift of $500 from your Organization.   I was first diagnosed with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma back in Feb 06. I was 41 years old and my wedding was scheduled in April. I had a 2 lumpectomies a week apart from each other (they didn't get the margins the first time). 10 days later I went to Mexico and got married. I came home, had a reception and 2 days later started  35 radiation treatments. I was pregnant in Aug 06 w/ twins and lost them both (miscarriage). I got pregnant again with twins in Nov, and lost them both by January 07. That was the window I had to have children before starting Zolodex injections (which also prevent pregnancy) treatments.  My markers were PR+ and ER-. The next few years were a blur of every 3-4 month mammo's, oncologist appts, labs, and Zolodex shots to the stomach. The cost of each shot is and astounding 3200$   In Nov 09 Breast Cancer returned to the same breast but different area. I had a Bilateral Mastectomy on Dec 15th.   I missed Christmas,New Years, January and February. Dealing with BC a second time was far worse emotionally than the first time.  Due to the first round radiation treatments, my muscle under the breast was not eligible for a traditional tissue expander and implants. My plastic surgeon removed a muscle from my back to use for my right breast recon. Its amazing what they can do nowadays.   I was out of work for over 8 weeks due to the surgery, and countless other days due to Dr appointments, fatigue and pain. I am currently in PT to get my arm motion back. I am scheduled for Implants in May. I will be done with all reconstruction by August.   There are very few Organizations that can help the lower middle class person, like me, who is affected by BC. I have been scraping by just to get by. Thank God for the PRR Organization. Its bad enough to deal with all of the emotions of losing both breasts, let alone the financial burden it causes. Medical bills pile up, even though I have an 80/20 Health Insurance. Words cannot express how grateful I am to those who donate. Just when I began to feel hopeless, the Pink Ribbon Riders came to my rescue. My next mission is to pay it forward. I believe if I can help anyone with this disease it will truly help me to recover from the emotional scars it has left me with. I may carry the physical scars forever but I will not let Breast Cancer define me. I find strength in those who share the journey. I find strength in those who volunteer, donate, and participate. There are so many of us out there who suffer from this disease, and every single person who has ever donated, volunteered or got involved with the PRR is and ANGEL!!!

March 2010 - Lynette Shock from ND
I am writing in response to your generous donation of $500. I cannot tell you how much this is appreciated at this time of year. I am a RN diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2009. It has been a wild roller coaster ride ever since. I found the lump a couple of months earlier, but ignored it as I thought it was a cyst, like I have had several times in the past. It continued to grow, so I decided I should have it checked. It was found to be an aggressive type of cancer. I had a mastectomy in July which was followed by aggressive chemotherapy for 12 weeks, then radiation therapy for 6 weeks, and another course of chemo which I should complete at the end of April. This has meant numeral trips to Grand Forks, which is a 240 mile round trip. We have good health insurance but we had to pay the deductible in June/July and now as the year begins, are required to again pay the deductible and coinsurance. This donation will be a great help in meeting those demands. I am pleased to report that I recently had a CT scan that was completely normal. We are praying for a complete recovery and are looking forward to spring! Thank you again for your generosity.

December 2010- Gayle from MI

I received my gift card a couple weeks ago and what a blessing it was.  I would like to thank-you from the bottom of my heart.  I finally was able to fill my gas tank.  Driving thirty miles one way to treatment Monday through Friday it has been a battle to keep gas in the tank.  I was also able to pay some medical bills, the light bill and buy some groceries.  It was a great feeling to know there are people out there that care.

I had a mammogram in March of 2010 that was part of my yearly physical, that was normal.  In August I found a lump in my left breast, where a bruise had mysteriously appeared (a God send).  On August 18Th, 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I had surgery September 20th to remove the lump and lymph nodes and now am in radiation treatment.  Who ever thought that when my husband and I took our vow's on August 8, 2009, a year later that "In sickness and in health" would become a reality.

November 2010 - Barbara from MN
My family and I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful gift card of $500 and the support that your organization has shown us. The Pink Ribbon Riders are truly a blessing!  Our holidays will be a lot more cheerful and special with your support through these trying times.  Thank you so much for all of your support and encouraging words! I will continue to fight and persevere through this disease!

November 2010 - Survivor from NY
I want to express my gratitude for gift I received from you. It really did helped out in ways you cannot imagine. I thanked you very much and may god continue to bless you for your thought.

November 2010 - Pat from WY
Thank you all so much, I used it for some of my radiation bills, and cancer related prescriptions and nothing else. 

I never realized that even with insurance, the amount of  financial things I would have to deal with.  I knew that I’d have deductibles and co-insurance, but never thought about having to pay $45.00 co-pays everyday walking in to do radiation for 2 ½ months, or the high co-pays on my cancer prescriptions.  It’s been hard at times, and with God’s help, family, friends and wonderful people like the “Pink Ribbon Riders”, it made my days brighter for your support and caring. 

Thank You again for the $500.00 gift card.

November 2010 - Brenda from WI
Thank you so much! This will help to get my head above water and put gas in to go to appointments too! Thank you for the help and I appreciate it greatly!

October 2010 - Karen from MN
I want to Thank You for your generous gift. With such a great organization as yours, it allows women with breast cancer peace of mind during a time of turmoil in their lives.

October 2010 - Lydia from MI
Thank you so much for the gift that I received from Pink Ribbon Riders. It came at such a good time for my family. I took a leave from work at the end of my treatments and this gift bought us food and some other items that we needed. So many people came along side us after my diagnosis and we know that Jesus sent each one to us to comfort and encourage us.

September 2010 - Susan from MI
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your gift and dinner event invitation. Your gift came at such a needed time. We have been struggling financially because of this disease. We were blessed because of you to pay some bills, get groceries and to get gas for the car to get to treatment.

Your group blessed my family and we did not even know each other. That is so awesome that people want to help cancer patients. One gentleman after hearing my story at your event gave me a hug and kiss and told me to keep working with the children I teach at preschool. That made me feel so good.

You ladies, Jody, Amanda and Alicia are so special. You are all truly blessing others with your work. My words alone can not express how thankful I am for your help.

I will always remember your kindness.

September 2010 - Barbara from FL
I can't even describe the amazement I experienced when the gift card arrived unannounced yesterday. It continues to amaze me that large cancer organizations whose employees received salaries and benefits don't actually provide much useful help to cancer patients - and by contrast, your organization that is a grassroots group actually provides real help. And I am so very grateful! Just when I was wondering how I would pay my next bill, this gift from heaven arrives to pull me up out of the fire again.

My story began when I went to a new primary care doctor who failed to provide me with my mamo referral after my repeated requests over several months. I had to actually change health plans and obtain a new primary care doctor in order to get the mamo referral. But unknown to me, all this time I had a breast cancer tumor growing rapidly because the first doctor did not follow the American Cancer Society's guidelines for doing an appropriate breast exam (she followed only one of the four steps). Anyway, I did get good medical treatment in time, had a mastectomy, and chemo. I was lucky that my cancer had not spread. I am facing reconstruction now and that will take about a year from to end. Someday I will be able to put this all behind me I hope and concentrate on living again. I can't wait for that time.

Again, dear people, thank you so much for the gift card that promptly pulled my head up out of my depression. I am amazed that people I do not even know have helped me so much.

September 2010 - Melinda from PA
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for everything you do and have done, not just for me but for everyone out there affected by this that you take the time to help. It meant the world to me that there was someone out there willing to help at a time like this. It's really a great thing that you do !! I will never forget your kindness and compassion. If there's anything I can ever do to help let me know.

Thank You so very much!

September 2010 - Stephanie from OH
Your generous gift brings smiles to breast cancer patients...and when you are going through treatment, these are hard to come by. Thank you so much for your warmth and support!

August 2010 - Wendy from WI
I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in October of 2005. Since then, undergone surgery, chemotherapy treatments, and radiation therapy. I was blessed with 4 years of being cancer free. Then I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in November of 2009. Since then I've undergone six months of chemotherapy. Chemo will keep me alive for the rest of my life. God willing, that will be a long time.

I just want to thank the Pink Ribbon and it's sponsors for everything you've done for me. Your gift has helped me pay for excess expenses incurred from this disease. I know you have touched so many people and just want to say "God bless you all".

Carrie Coombes from WY story on being a "Thriver"

I am a 37 year old Wife, Mother, Grandma, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, Friend, College Student...THRIVER, residing in a small rural area surrounded by family and friends, making every day worth living and being a crusader for those who need help.

After talking to my son, Andrew, about how I should write this article on “thriving”, he told me to write what I know. So, what do I know about thriving? One thing I can tell you is that after being diagnosed with breast cancer you can be pessimistic and let it consume you or you can look for the “silver lining” and fight for your life. For me the only thing to do was to fight. I was not going to just lay there and wait for cancer to consume me and take my life. Having a wonderful family and friends has made me fight harder to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way. full story

July 2010 - Christine from MI
I received your generous gift card of $500; thank you for choosing to assist me with my expenses. As I said in my application, I work part time in an office and do not get paid when I am not at work. I have already purchased food, medicine, and paid partially for my new eyeglasses with your gift. It has lifted a load of worry from my shoulders knowing that I have these funds to fall back on when I need them.

I found out in April, 2010 that I have Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in May, and started chemotherapy treatments in June. After the chemotherapy, I will have radiation treatments.

I am truly positive about my recovery, and with faith in God, and the work of the good people that are helping to take care of me, I will be well by this time next year!

I have met and worked with so many wonderful and caring people on this journey, including the Pink Ribbon Riders organization. Bless you for the work that you do!

I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart!

May 2010 - Yvonne from MI
Thank You Very Much for your help! I never ask for it, but it was sure nice to have people out there to help me and my family out. This came as a great surprise, I am still scared and sometimes depressed, but this will help take the burden off our shoulders, God Bless you and your organization.