This is a different type of Survivor story – this is from a grandson about his Gam a Breast Cancer Survivor. Meet Michael, he adored his Gam and says she was the glue of the family. Although she was a breast cancer survivor she passed away from other health issues. This broke Michael’s heart and he wanted to do something in honor of her. His grandmother (Linda Conte) loved bright flashy things and Michael’s bright colored sneakers. She was the life of the party and had a style like no other. Michael had been looking at bikes for awhile and came across this one that was located in Connecticut. He says the color it was drew him to the bike and that it had all the features/modifications he was looking for. His first thought was of his Gam because it was bright, flashy and just stood out. So he and a buddy took the road trip to Connecticut to check it out. He came home with the bike. Michael plans to attend Breast Cancer events with his bright flashy pink bike in honor of his Gam. This bike is the best therapy he needed to help overcome the heartache and struggle that came from losing such an amazing person in his life. Each time he ventures out and he gets compliments, thumbs up, and people wanting to take pictures he knows he is doing what he wanted for his Gam. Honoring her memory in every way possible and share what an important part of his life and family this fun, energetic woman was that beat Breast Cancer.

It’s hard to get the real color in a picture because the paint is UV reactive. It actually glows under a black light. It’ll go from pink to neon orange. Michael has done some upgrades to the bike to make it exactly what he wanted it to show it off. The bike has been repainted with the same paint, but being fresh it’s still not as neon pink as he had hoped so he is going to be wrapping it. But everything about this bike, the attention it gets, the brightness, the flashiness, the look, it all reminds him of his Gam.

I met Michael at our 6th Annual event. He was very disappointed that we had to cancel the ride portion of our event this year due to rain. His dad (Don) had already sent me a picture of the bike and I was really hoping to see it in person. I didn’t get a chance to chat with him at the event so I asked if I could stop by his house and see the bike. Without hesitation he gave me his address and was waiting for me when I arrived. Listening to him tell the story of the bike and seeing the love in eyes is why I wanted to share this story. It shows the love and support for a survivor and the things they will do to honor the memory of that person who meant so much to the family. So if you see Michael and his flashy pink bike give him a thumbs up because he is doing just what he wanted to do for his Gam.