Memories of Mamma Jamma 2009

The Inaugural Texas Mamma Jamma Ride in 2009 was a very special day for everyone involved. In case you were not there, please enjoy this poem and photos written by Francine Fowler:

Memories of Mamma Jamma

cold morning, coffee brewing

at the crack of dawn

waiting for my friend and ride

my bike and gear out in the lawn

we’re relaxed and chatting,

training and fund raising done

we’re on our way to mamma jamma

to celebrate and have some fun

everyone’s arriving,

all in padded pants,

we rose up early this good morn

to offer others a better chance

we ride in blessed memory

of those who fought the fight

we keep their hearts and spirits living

in our hopeful shining light

the volunteers are cheering

showing us the way

we give our thanks and bow our heads

for this amazing day

legs spinning, nature singing

the smell of fresh mown grass

cows and goats and wildflowers

farm dogs barking as we pass

three vultures black in mourning

as we ride by, I’ve got a hunch

that all this bike activity

has kept them from their lunch

we wind the narrow country roads

talking of our dreams and past

car up, car back,  up hill then down

forming friendships we hope will last

the donkey loudly brays at us

so loud we start to laugh

we laugh so hard we split our sides

great memories of mamma jamma ride

our legs are tired but we pedal on

the signs say that we’re almost done

the volunteers are cheering

as if the race we’d won

we’ve pedaled many miles today

we did it because we cared

we feel uplifted and fulfilled

with the love and hope we’ve shared

   

                           Francine Fowler

                           10/10/2009            

Mary's Happy Kitchen Story

How The Happy Kitchen Changed My Life, by Mary Swanson 

(from The Sustainable Food Center)

In May 2004, my life changed forever, when I heard those words - "You have cancer". I heard nothing after those words. I had surgery and did what the doctors told me to do. Over a course of 3 years, I gained 30 pounds due to medication. I took the last dose of that medication in December 2008 and was told the weight would fall off. It did not fall off.  

In October 2010, my life was changed again, as I heard those words once again - "You have cancer". I was told it was not a recurrence; it was a brand new cancer. I once again did what the doctors told me to do. Over the course of the year, I wondered what could I do differently as I did not make any changes after the first diagnosis in 2004. I have always read, "lower your cancer risk with Diet, Weight and Exercise. I think I tried every diet in the world with no success. 

Mary - Before The Happy Kitchen Class

In the fall of 2011, I received an email regarding The Happy Kitchen, six classes total, and you get food to take home so you can practice the recipe. I signed up as what could be better. I learned over the next weeks what a plate should look like - 50% Fruits & Vegetables, 25% Grains and 25% Protein. I learned what to buy organic, how to choose meats and eggs. I used to drink 2% milk and was encouraged to change to organic 1% milk. I learned how to cook quinoa; I would have never tried had I not taken the class. I have tried black beans, brown rice and a variety of spices that I would have avoided prior to the class. Now, I read labels when I buy groceries. I used to buy cheese loaded with preservatives ad now I buy only fresh cheese and it is much better. I used to be addicted to simple carbohydrates and since learning that some grains have protein, I have been able to cut back on the carbs. I no longer reach for chips and dip; I will choose hummus and baked pita chips. Sometimes you are put in a food situation where you have to decide which is the better choice, between two foods that may not be the healthiest: I have learned to modify it to make it healthier.

Mary - After The Happy Kitchen Class

The Happy Kitchen class caused me to be courageous, curious, confident and smarter when choosing foods. I have learned to change my food choices and not starve myself. I now eat 5 small meals, Monday through Friday, and enjoy splurges on Saturday and Sunday. I have lost 30 lbs. since the fall of 2011 and contribute that to The Happy Kitchen class. I have monitored my blood work - my numbers are healthier with the better choices I have made from taking the class. I have been inspired to take Yoga classes weekly as a result of my stride towards being a healthier me. Thank you Happy Kitchen for leading me to the Trilogy -  Good Diet, Weight Control, and Exercise!

Mamma Jamma says: Well Done Mary!!

The Happy Kitchen

One of the Beneficiaries the Mamma Jamma riders love raising money for is The Sustainable Food Center. They provide the only cooking and nutrition class that promotes sustainable, healthy food to promote recovery & prevent recurrence for cancer survivors. The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Allegre classes are taught in English/Spanish by trained community-based facilitators.
  

The Happy Kitchen Class

According to the American Cancer Society,  at least one-third of annual cancer deaths in the U.S. are due to dietary factors. By learning how to properly shop, cook and eat healthy foods, survivors can prevent recurrence for themselves, improve recovery, and prevent future cases amongst family members who also learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. 

La Cocina Allegre

DONATED DOLLARS BROKEN DOWN

$15        the cost of a cookbook for one survivor

$20        the cost of "recipe" groceries for 1 survivor, per 6 week class

$50        the cost of 1 instructor for 1 class

$75        the cost of educational materials for 1 six week class - serving 25 survivors

$165      the cost of a life-changing six-week course for 1 survivor. (This covers groceries to prepare the recipes at home with the rest of the survivor's family, 9 hours of instruction, multiple nutritional handouts and a cookbook.) 

Check it out for yourself!

                 

Opportunity Knocks: Don't Miss Out on a Healthy Snack!

And now a Tip from one of our great sponsors:

Feel like you need a little "something" in between meals?

Congratulations, you've just been presented with a great opportunity to add a healthy snack to your daily nutritional palette. More than an afterthought, regular snacks are an essential part of a smart eating strategy. Well-chosen, nutrient-rich foods keep your metabolism on an even keel throughout the day and help ensure that you don't get too hungry, tired, or downright cranky before your next regular meal.

As always, the key is to prioritize choices that include the fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains that your body needs. But how you snack is almost as important as what you snack on. Eating on the run or while distracted doesn't really allow you to slow down give your attention to the food that sustains you, or savor the moment. Taking an occasional time-out from keeping all those balls in the air is good for you!

Food Is Meant to Be Enjoyed

Uninterrupted snack breaks enable you to make your relationship with food a priority. Food is one of life's greatest pleasures, but when you try to eat while multitasking, it becomes an automatic action rather than a mindful one. When you are able to focus, you can better enjoy the taste and texture of your snack, and appreciate the feeling of satisfaction it gives you.

While you are in a "healthy eating" state of mind, take a moment to think ahead a bit so you are not left scrambling when hunger strikes again. This is much more fun than snacking while rushing to your next appointment.

So turn off your phone and resist the urge to check your email, or Facebook, or your Twitter feed. Pick up some yogurt, a piece of fruit, or a lovely LemonZest® LUNA bar. Go outside. Feel the sun on your face. Breathe. There . . . doesn't that feel better?

Patty's Story

This story is about a rider, who is now a survivor - and is once again a rider this year. Patty learned about the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride through her company in 2011; she signed up, rode, raised a lot of money - AND had a lot of fun! What Patty didn't realize, she had breast cancer cells in her body at the time but just didn't know it. A little less than 6 months after fundraising for the local breast cancer community, Patty became a recipient of those funds. She has been helped by 2 of our Beneficiaries, Breast Cancer Resource Center and Capital of Texas Team Survivor this year. 

On March 28, 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer following my first-ever mammogram during a routine physical.  These past few months have been a whirlwind of total shock, having to make very tough decisions - - quickly; multiple doctor appointments, pathology reports, a possible cancer in another part of my body, worry, surgery, daily radiation treatments, side effects, did I say worry?, etc., etc. Fortunately, there turned out to be just one tumor and it was found early.  There is no evidence that it spread to other parts of my body so I didn’t need chemotherapy.

Patty and her Mom

When I first heard the dreaded words “you have cancer,” all I could think of was the difficulty my mom went through after she was diagnosed with larynx cancer when I was 12.  I thought my life is going to be painful and miserable and I will not live long just like my mom.  However, a breast cancer survivor who worked as my client put me in touch with Pink Ribbon Cowgirls. This is a local support group through the Breast Cancer Resource Center for women under 45 diagnosed with breast cancer  It is through this support group that I connected with other breast cancer survivors in the younger age group.  They hold weekly lunches for survivors to get together and connect with one another.  I quickly learned about the various doctors in town which helped with my decisions on who to see.  They provide an internet forum where other survivors who have been down my path answered all of the time-critical questions I posted.  They also have a “patient navigator” who took my calls and answered my questions during a time when I had to make quick decisions.  I don’t know how I would have kept my sanity without the great support from this organization.

Also, through that support group, I learned about Team Survivor, another local non-profit that provides free exercise classes to women cancer survivors including those in treatment.  I met some inspiring women who got past their breast cancer and are the most fit and physically active women I met.

Because of these non-profit organizations, I felt empowered and I realized that I am not going to suffer the same fate as my mom.  These organizations are an extremely valuable resource to those going through desperate times.  I am planning to ride my bike with Mamma Jamma in October, 2012.  I have radiation fatigue currently, but it should be gone by October when I expect to ride the maximum distance of 100 miles.  Please join me in supporting these non-profits with whatever amount you wish to donate or join me in the event.

Patty  - August 2012

Patty came to the very first training ride in June, just a short time before she was supposed to start radiation. She made it to as many as she could even when going through treatment. Now that she is finished, she is bound and determined to train to get ready for the 100 mile distance on Ride Day. When I rode with her recently, she was wearing protective clothing from head to toe in order to protect her sensitive skin. This is Texas . . . it can get hot even in the morning. Patty is not going to let that stop her from doing what needs to be done - riding so that others can be helped just like she has been. Thank you Patty, Mamma Jamma Loves You. 

If you would like to help others facing this disease, now and in the future, we invite you to visit our website and Register!!

WELCOME!!

Welcome to the Mamma Jamma Blog, we're glad you're here! The Texas Mamma Jamma Ride is the largest charity bike ride in the country that raises funds for Breast Cancer patient services. 

Perhaps you've heard the statistics - 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime with breast cancer, and though infrequent, men get the disease too. No one wants to hear those words themselves or for a loved one - "You have breast cancer". However, if you live in Central Texas, you should be quick to realize that you will not have to face this disease alone. 

The beauty of the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride is that the money raised by our riders is divided up among our 10 Beneficiaries who provide a continuum of care for these breast cancer patients and their loved ones. For every diagnosis there is a different combination of needs. Alone, each agency fulfills their individual mission and can only do so much. It is powerful and amazing what they are able to accomplish together. This is the spirit of the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride - COMMUNITY IS POWERFUL, THE POWER OF LOVE! Great things happen when we link arms together to get things done. 

Where do you fit in? YOU, are the missing piece of the puzzle; the piece we need. YOU will be the one to make the difference right here in your own community. The money YOU raise will:

• help the 19 year old girl who needs a patient navigator with her at the radiology clinic to check out a breast lump.
• help her mother who couldn't stop crying the day before when she came looking for information and help.
• help a woman who is trying to scrape together $85.00 for the co-pay she needs to buy her medication.
• help the woman shocked to learn she doesn't qualify for a free screening mammogram because she has a lump.
• help the woman who can't afford a prosthesis or a wig.
• help the woman who needs radiation treatment every day the next 7 weeks and has no transportation or childcare.
• help the survivor who lost insurance coverage and needs a follow-up.
• help the man who is shocked to find out he has a "woman's disease".
• help the woman who needs radiation treatment every day for the next 7 weeks and has no transportation or childcare.
• help the woman who feels like her life is over when it isn't.
• comfort and guide a terrified young mother who just lost her insurance when she lost her job through the process of getting the help she needs. Help she needs today. Right now.

Don't be embarrassed to ask your dentist, your hairdresser, your friends, and even complete strangers on the street to support you in this ride. You're not asking for your light bills to be paid, you are asking for theirs. It's good to know there is help out there because you never know when you, or someone you love might be the next person needing that help.

If you are new to TMJR, we hope you will find inspiration to get on board and join us - not just this year, but every year - until there is no more need to ride. If you are already a rider, we hope to provide you with useful information as well as heartwarming stories to share with your supporters. 

Please Join Us!!

The Need is Great, Act Today!!

 (Thank you Marjorie Galeece!)