Breast Cancer Survivors Mount Harleys to Raise Awareness, Money -- and Eyebrows.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Facing their fears and embracing life, 28 breast cancer survivors from across the nation will band together in 'Changing Gears,' an 800-mile motorcycle journey that starts Sept. 24 in Los Angeles and ends Oct. 1 in San Francisco. For most, it will be the journey of a lifetime.

Each participant represents a growing trend: young women diagnosed with breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related death in women age 15 to 40. Twenty participants will ride donated Harley-Davidsons, while the rest ride their own bikes or drive support vans.

"Some might be surprised to see a 5-foot-2, 29-year-old dental hygienist and breast cancer survivor from Oklahoma ride a Harley, and I hope they NEVER forget," says Gayla Winn, a first-time Harley rider, diagnosed at 27.

Changing Gears rides will also take place in the U.K. in August and in Australia in October.

Cathy Huston, 42, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who was diagnosed at 33, will participate in all three. "Three rides, three months, three different continents! I am honored and proud to take part in this adventure," says Huston.

Changing Gears is organized by Amazon Heart, established by Megan Dwyer of San Jose, California, diagnosed at 35 and now 38, and Meredith Campbell of Brisbane, Australia, diagnosed at 33 and now 38.

"Instead of being isolated and intimidated by breast cancer, these stay-at-home moms, realtors, engineers, and former police officers are setting out on the ride of their lives," says Dwyer.

Funds raised in the U.S. benefit the Young Survival Coalition and Amazon Heart. Sponsorship is provided by Harley-Davidson; Buff(R) Downunder, the Australian distributor of Buff headgear; and Map Link of Santa Barbara.

About Changing Gears

An international community-building and fund-raising event, Changing Gears was created by Amazon Heart, an organization providing life-changing adventures for breast cancer survivors. Amazon Heart was established by 38-year-old breast cancer survivors Megan Dwyer of San Jose and Meredith Campbell of Australia. They collaborated on the first Changing Gears ride in the U.S. in Sept. 2004. Now in three countries, these events raise awareness and overcome the isolation often felt by younger women with breast cancer, while challenging stereotypes and raising funds for breast cancer causes. To learn more, see www.changinggears.org.