I’m riding in honor of my grandmother, Herta Behm (pictured here), who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in May 2010 at the age of 83. Anyone who knew Herta would say that she was a “hoot” to be around. She always loved a good party and a proper Manhattan! The “Wheel to Survive” takes on a different meaning for Herta as she survived WWII living in Nazi-occupied Austria. Herta grew up as the daughter of a wealthy ambassador in Vienna. When her father refused to take an oath of loyalty to the Nazi party, he was sent away to a concentration camp and the rest of the family was forced from their home, with all of their wealth and belongings seized by the Nazis. Herta joined the Resistance and proved to be a huge asset as she was part of a film crew, which allowed her to have papers to easily cross borders between countries. Herta learned to fly hanggliders from the mountains of Austria to help get downed soldiers to safety in Switzerland.
Herta fell in love with American soldier during the war and came to the U.S. in 1948. When she arrived, she came with only a backpack, but quickly considered herself an American! She learned to cook from watching Julia Child and loved to travel. Herta lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every day – calling herself “a tough old bird” and fighting hard against the cancer until the very end.
This is my first year riding in the Wheel to Survive, and I am so excited to help with a cause that is so close to my heart. I can’t wait to ride for a cause and feel my grandma there cheering me on! (They did not have cycling classes back in her day, but as she was an avid athlete and loved a good party, I am sure that she would have loved them!)
I hope you can join me in support of this amazing cause. We can do so much more to help!
One woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer every 24 minutes. 22,000 women this year.
One woman dies from ovarian cancer every 37 minutes. 15,000 women this year.
Sadly, 70% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will die from the disease.
There is no reliable early detection test available for ovarian cancer.
These women are our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends and they deserve better. We all deserve better.
On February 26, 2017, I will be participating in Wheel to Survive, an inspirational six hour indoor cycling event to raise money to help women batting ovarian cancer today and to provide research dollars for a cure. 100% of the money I raise will go to fund these programs.
Please help me reach my goal by making a tax deductible donation today. You can also help me reach my goal by sharing my page or link with your friends by email or social media. Better yet, register today and come ride with me!
Click here to show your support by making a donation to Alexandra’s Wheel to Survive fundraising page, or register now to ride alongside Alexandra and others at Wheel to Survive Dallas 2017 as we fight to end ovarian cancer!