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Breakaway from Cancer
Five Californians Selected as Breakaway from Cancer® Champions to be Honored During Amgen Tour of California
Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer to Honor and Celebrate Cancer Survivors at Every Stage of the Sixth Annual Race
THOUSAND
OAKS, Calif. – (May 10, 2011) – Amgen today announced that five
inspirational cancer survivors who have made a difference for others
affected by cancer in their communities have been selected as
Breakaway from Cancer Champions as part of Amgen’s Breakaway from
Cancer initiative.
The five Breakaway from Cancer Champions were selected following a public call for nominations and online voting earlier this year. The 2011 Breakaway from Cancer Champions are:
- North Lake Tahoe – Pancreatic cancer survivor Stuart Jed works to raise awareness and advocate for research and legislation for cancer by speaking at local venues and supporting national pancreatic cancer fundraisers.
- Sacramento – Acute myeloid leukemia survivor Prakashni Shandil mentors of others battling cancer. Prakashni volunteers to speak to cancer patients regarding her own disease and survival, and acts as a valuable resource for patients who are considering blood and marrow transplants.
- Modesto – Breast cancer survivor Leona Delos Reyes was diagnosed 21 years ago and is on her sixth round battling cancer, this time with liver and bone cancer. She has extensive involvement in the Modesto cancer community as an active participant, volunteer, fundraiser, and inspiration.
- Paso Robles – Brain cancer survivor Deleena Rankin’s perseverance, faith, and determination inspires and motivates everyone around her. Diagnosed in November 2010, Deleena has been left with limited eyesight, but she continues to remain committed to cycling to regain her strength. Click here to read more of Deleena's story.
- Thousand Oaks – Neuroendocrine cancer survivor Reine Wiley’s diagnosis was revealed shortly before the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. She has demonstrated a strong will to fight and commitment to continue cycle, even while she’s undergoing treatment.
"Amgen is passionate about helping those with cancer, and we are proud to honor individuals who have made a positive difference in the fight against cancer," said Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. "Breakaway from Cancer was founded on the knowledge that it takes a team to overcome this disease and the Champions program exemplifies this commitment to helping others."
Read more about the Breakaway from Cancer® Champions.
About the Breakaway Mile
The Breakaway Mile honors cancer survivors everywhere and shines the spotlight on one special local survivor – the Breakaway from Cancer® Champion.
Amgen invites patients with cancer, survivors, caregivers, and advocates for those impacted by cancer to join in the Breakaway Mile. This celebratory one-mile (approximate) walk crosses the finish line of the Amgen Tour of California just prior to the professional cyclists.
In addition to walking in the Breakaway Mile, participants will be invited to watch the race action from a special viewing area near the finish line. Light refreshments will be served.
Download Breakaway Mile Flyer.
About Breakaway from Cancer
Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer® is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. Through Breakaway from Cancer, Amgen has joined forces with four nonprofit partner organizations: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community (formerly known as The Wellness Community), Patient Advocate Foundation, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. These organizations offer a broad range of support services complementing those provided by a patient’s team of healthcare professionals. For more information, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com.
Download the Breakaway from Cancer Flyer for more information.
