Be inspired by Katie Deal
For Katie Deal this August’s Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer will mark a major milestone; two whole years cancer free. It will also mark two years since she met three of her closest friends.
Katie remembers the shock and distress she felt when, at the age 30, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. For the mother of two young children—one two years old and one still a baby in her arms—worry for her own well-being was far overshadowed by the fear that her children would grow up without a mother.
Katie’s journey with cancer led her to three women who would become part of her circle of close friends: Josie Dietrich, Linda Harradine and Briony McDonnell-Baum. All three new acquaintances were battling breast cancer.
After enduring 6 months of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radium therapy and prophylactic surgery she was officially declared a cancer survivor, but the friendships formed in her support group remained strong.
The four women joined forces with their husbands and another friend to form Team ‘Breast Friends For Cure’ in the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer.
‘We’re joining forces to do something truly positive for bodies, for our minds, for our community and for our children. Twenty-two years ago my mother was treated for breast cancer, thanks to research facilities like the Queensland Institute of Medial Research, the treatment we received was worlds apart” says Katie, who is excited for August’s Ride “My dream for my children and my children’s children is that any woman in their lifetime struck with this disease will be able to look to the future without fear knowing treatments are available.”
To date, Team Breast Friends has raised over $32,000 for the Ride.
Be inspired by Klaus Bartosch
Klaus Bartosch is the type of person who, when determined to drive change and reach a goal, gives it all he has.
In November of 2010, approaching the age of 50, Klaus began a personal mission to live his life healthier, fitter and happier It started with a lifestyle overhaul; working with a personal trainer fueled his desire to take on new physical challenges. Unable to jog or run due to arthritis in his knee, he discovered cycling.
He eventually heard about the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer and knew it was a perfect opportunity to combine his fitness goals with a cause close to his heart.
Being a cancer survivor—Klaus was first diagnosed with Melanoma in 2000, and the second time in 2003 —made the Ride all the more meaningful for the proud husband and father.
“Cancer is a disease which affects millions of people. I have lost friends, family and work colleagues to this horrible disease.” Klaus says, “My experience as a cancer survivor fuels my need to contribute to this cause which I am passionate about. Sadly, I doubt there is anyone who can say their life has not been touched by cancer in some way. Given that truth, how could anyone not be motivated to contribute to a cause like this”
Klaus registered for the Ride in March 2011, and got a couple of colleagues and friends from the Vision PT Fitness Centre, where he trains, on board. For Klaus, training for the Ride has been an opportunity to build resilience, strength and to reflect on his own experience with cancer.
To date Klaus has formed a team of 18 riders. Individually he has raised almost $10,500 for the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
