Why can't our early-stage HER2+ women get the treatment they need?

Why Was This Event Self-Funding?

There were several reasons why this event wasorganised as a self-funding entity.

Firstly, it is because there are always limits to available community resources that can be expected, or given, for charitable causes. The self funding option means this protest could be much bigger and therefore more effective than it likely would have been be if it had to be reliant on outright sponsorship for an event of its type.

Secondly, it providesdopportunities for the strengthening and growth of local groups and communities through fundraising together towards a common goal that has the potential to literally change and prolong lives.

Thirdly, it gave participants an insight and appreciation for how massive an undertaking fund raising can be for those whose lives may literally depend on their own ability to do it on a far larger scale.

Fourthly, it meant going 'cap-in-hand' to fewer sponsors asking for resources on a larger scale. It is always more realistic and easier on the charitable community pocket to get more people involved in raising smaller amounts that snowball into something much bigger.

Fifth, the fundraising demonstrated by Participants and Supporters to raise money showed commitment to an issue they have strong opinions about. This event was a powerful public statement, which could not comfortably be ignored by a government hoping to win a general election in the same year.

Why Did The Money Need To Be Paid In Advance?

This was a structured, organised event. Participant numbers needed to be finalised well in advance, in order for good quality accommodation to be booked, appropriate back-up vehicle arrangements made, and fuel vouchers purchased. Higher accommodation discounts were negotiated because payment was made in advance, which has helped to keep on-road costs down at the same time as providing a good standard of accommodation available for people who have been on the road all day and who have a long way still to go. The importance of a comfortable night's rest in helping stay focussed and safe on the road is fully appreciated by the organiser. To that end, accommodation took the form of quality motels that provided various configurations to suit all participating riders and pillions, as well as safe, secure parking for motorcycles and support vehicles, at prices that were negotiated significantly below the regular "rack rates".

Ridrs and pillions (and people in specially dressed pink cars!!!) who wished to were more than welcome to be a part of this Peaceful Protest Ride, and many did. They kept us company and cheered us on, for however long or short a time they wanted to, and they made their own accommodation, food and fuel arrangements along the way.

The Herceptin Riders Protest Fund is administered by the event organiser, along with two other independent trustees. Accounts will be officially overseen by an independent auditor once all disbursements have been finalized.