Amgen Recognizes Cancer Survivors with "Breakaway Miles"
Amgen today announced that four cancer survivors who have made a difference for others affected by cancer in their communities have been selected to participate in Breakaway Miles during the 2010 Amgen Tour of California.
Amgen's Breakaway Miles initiative at the Amgen Tour of California was founded by Amgen in 2005 as a complementary component to the title sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California. The initiative is intended to raise awareness of the important resources available to people impacted by cancer – from prevention through survivorship.
"Amgen is proud to honor individuals who have made a positive difference in the fight against cancer," said Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager of Oncology Business Unit at Amgen. "Breakaway from Cancer was founded on the knowledge that it takes a team to overcome this disease and the Breakaway from Cancer Champions exemplify the commitment to helping others."
The Breakaway from Cancer Champions will lead the Breakaway Mile, which is an approximately one-mile walk that ends at the Amgen Tour of California finish line prior to the stage conclusion of the professional race in four 2010 race host cities: Santa Cruz, Modesto, Bakersfield and Thousand Oaks. Each Breakaway Mile will also feature an Amgen scientist who plays a crucial role in developing breakthrough medicines.
The four Breakaway from Cancer Champions were selected following a call for nominations earlier this year. The 2010 Breakaway from Cancer Champions are Marilyn Luma (Santa Cruz, CA), Sandy Howard (Modesto, CA), Tricia Bland (Bakersfield, CA) and Steve Bartolucci (Thousand Oaks, CA).
At the conclusion of each stage of the Amgen Tour of California, the Breakaway from Cancer Champion or a local cancer survivor will present Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey to the professional rider who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer.
All Breakaway from Cancer awareness and fundraising programs benefit the initiative's four nonprofit partners – Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.
