Bakersfield Welcomes Amgen’s Breakaway Mile
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The Breakaway Mile Similar to the support team that helps cyclists break away from the pack, it takes a strong support network to help a person break away from cancer. Celebrating cancer survivors everywhere, the Breakaway Mile takes place during the Amgen Tour of California, before the professional riders roll across the finish. It’s a special walk that crosses the finish line to honor the millions of cancer survivors worldwide, led by an individual who has been an inspiration within the local cancer community – the Breakaway from Cancer® Champion. The Breakaway Mile celebrates cancer survivors and their support networks and helps increase awareness of the important resources available to people affected by cancer. The event also celebrates the many scientific innovations that contribute to new treatments for cancer patients. During the Breakaway Mile, the Breakaway from Cancer Champion and an Amgen scientist who plays a crucial role in developing breakthrough medicines, are joined by community members – cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and advocates – who support the fight against cancer. Read more about the Breakaway Miles in Modesto, Santa Cruz, and Thousand Oaks. |
Nearly 150 cancer survivors and their loved ones gathered on the Bakersfield College campus on Thursday for the Breakaway Mile during Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California.
The Breakaway Mile honored cancer survivors everywhere and shined a spotlight on Breakaway from Cancer® Champion Tricia Bland of Bakersfield.
Jon Oliner, director of oncology research at Amgen, walked with Tricia during the Mile and told the crowd that Amgen’s 17,000 staff members worldwide come to work each day inspired by patient stories – the stories of the more than 18 million patients that have already benefited from our medicines, and the stories of hope and determination that we hear from people fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.
At ages 19 and 21, Tricia discovered a lump in her breast. Both lumps were removed with a lumpectomy and were benign. Then, at age 31, she found another lump and doctors discovered that her cells were dramatically changing. Doctors said that her situation was a time bomb, and Tricia Bland had bilateral radical mastectomies.
Since that time, Tricia has led a healthy life and been actively involved raising funds for the American Cancer Society. As a Relay for Life team captain for the last 15 years, Tricia has walked (or run) 600 miles and raised thousands of dollars. In addition, she is a board member for the American Cancer Society for Kern County, and she volunteers her time to help the men’s prostate group with nutrition support. Tricia has also served as a Consultant Dietitian for Hoffmann Hospice and actively supports their organization in the community.
“Today, at almost age 49, I feel stronger than ever,” enthused Tricia. “It’s been an incredible journey and I love to inspire others who are impacted by cancer. I enjoy inspiring people to incorporate both nutrition and exercise into their lives to improve health and longevity. Today’s Breakaway Mile is a great example of how people can fight cancer and exercise at the same time, and I am overwhelmed by the opportunity to lead the event.”
Tricia also had the honor of presenting Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey to Ben Day of Team Fly V Australia. The jersey is awarded to the rider who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination, and perseverance.
Click here to read an article in the Bakersfield Californian about the Bakersfield Breakaway Mile.
To learn more about Breakaway from Cancer, visit breakawayfromcancer.com or follow the latest news on the Breakaway from Cancer Facebook page.
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