JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month just around the corner, two Soldiers from the Rapid Port Opening Element, 690th Transportation Detachment, 833rd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade, at Fort Eustis, Va., embarked on a journey of hope, Sept. 17, 2012.
They travelled nearly 800 miles to raise awareness for triple-negative breast cancer in honor of his mother, Michelle McBroom.
Sergeant Douglas A. McBroom, a 24-year-old Corpus Christi native and an Army 88H senior forklift operator, began his bicycle ride in Theodore, Ala., and rode to Corpus Christi, Texas. Spc. James A. Conklin, an 88H cargo specialist, followed Sgt. McBroom in a moving truck. They travelled through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. By riding more than 100 miles per day, Sgt. McBroom arrived on Sept. 22 in Corpus Christi.
"My family is my strength and my mother is my inspiration," said McBroom. "After receiving the news of her fight against triple negative breast cancer, I wanted to find a way to show her my love and support."
McBroom's travelling partner shared his view on the journey.
"Riding a bike from Alabama to Texas for charity shows how large this man's heart is," said Conklin. "Most people would be mad at the world after learning of their mothers' cancer diagnosis, but Doug took it as a challenge to help others. I cannot describe how honored I am to be part of their fight, to support my friend and his family and to raise awareness about this disease."
McBroom decided he would set off for home, spreading the word as he went.
"I thought, 'How could I raise awareness and funds to finding a cure for this awful disease?'," said McBroom. "That's when I decided I would ride my mountain bike home, from Alabama to Texas. I quickly created a Facebook page to spread the word and share my experience."
Mrs. McBroom described her son's tenacity, and shared her feelings on his endeavor.
"It's kind of hard to put it into words," said Mrs. McBroom. "Douglas has always done tremendously--when he sets a goal, he achieves it. Douglas and I have a very special relationship. I am immensely proud of my son."
In June 2011, Mrs. McBroom was diagnosed with stage-4 breast cancer. After seven months of chemotherapy, one surgery and a month of radiation, she received the good news--she was cancer free. However, that was shortly lived. After a routine body scan, she had devastating news--the cancer had returned. The diagnosis showed she had triple-negative breast cancer. Not only was she fighting for her life again, but she was also fighting against a disease that had no cure.
Breast cancer is generally diagnosed upon the presence, or lack, of three receptors: estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor two. With triple-negative breast cancer, none of these receptors are found. Although this type of cancer is typically responsive to chemotherapy, it can be particularly aggressive and is more likely to recur than other subtypes of breast cancer. Since traditional hormonal therapies will not work, more research is needed to find a cure.
"I want to send a message to everyone who is either battling or has been affected by this awful disease--fight! Fight! Fight!" said McBroom. "And just when you think you're at your breaking point, dig deep and push through. You are not alone!"
If you would like to follow McBroom on his ride, visit
http://www.facebook.com/#!/MyRideForACureForMommyMcBroom.