Cancer survivor raises awareness through adventure

MOORE, Okla. -- Metro woman and breast cancer survivor Michele Baker rode up the California Coast on a motorcycle to raise money, and awareness.

Baker, and the group she rode with, raised thousands of dollars to support women with breast cancer and provide education.

"Most of the time we road, it was on the coast, right on the coastline," Baker said. "It was spectacular, I know I've told you that before, but I've never used that word on things that I've done in my life, and the whole trip was spectacular."

The trip took eight days.

It's been three years since her diagnosis, and Baker believes she's able to get on a motorcycle today because her cancer was detected early.

Her time on the highway turned out to be a series of thoughts about the adventure, her future and reflections of the past.

"That was probably one of my biggest fears was my kids," Baker said. "What would happen to them, if something, if I was to die of breast cancer, and my kids were my biggest concern."

The group raised more than $30,000 along the way to support and educate other women about the disease. But their experience was worth much more to them.

"You're not only looking, but you feel the change in the climate," Baker said. "You can feel the cold spots, you can smell the country, and you just have the wind in your face. It's a totally different experience than driving a car."

Baker said there will definitely be more adventures like this one in her future.

The ride was put together by an organization called Amazon Heart, a unique peer support group for women with breast cancer, providing a wide range of adventure events.