Cancer Survivors March in First Breakaway Mile of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California
| Breakaway From Cancer®
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 Bakersfield, Modesto, and Thousand Oaks. |
In the middle of a marching band and 1950’s woody cars in the parade, Santa Cruz cancer survivor Marilyn Luma led more than 100 cancer survivors along one mile of Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California crossing the finish line at the end.
After a call for nominations for a Breakaway from Cancer® Champion in Santa Cruz, Marilyn was selected for the inspiration she gives other cancer survivors.
The Breakaway Mile event kicked off with a reception for the walker, which included cancer survivors, caregivers, and those walking in honor of a loved one with cancer.
Kathryn West, director of advocacy at Amgen, welcomed everyone and the Breakaway from Cancer nonprofit partners – Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship – explained the important resources and support services offered by their organizations. Steve Young, executive director at Amgen, explained his role as an Amgen scientist and the realization that the work he and his colleagues do might bring us one important step closer to finding an innovative new treatment for cancer.
Crossing the finish line with cancer supporters, Marilyn said, “When I first heard about receiving this honor, it reminded me of what John F. Kennedy said when asked how he became a war hero. ‘It wasn’t voluntary. They sank my boat.’ I didn’t willingly choose to be diagnosed with cancer, but rather looked within myself to handle my diagnosis with dignity and grace. Now, I aim to do something each year to help make a difference. It’s my humble honor to be part of the Breakaway from Cancer effort.”
In 1996, Marilyn was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. From the beginning of the battle, Marilyn was focused on one job – to heal. With breast, hair, nails gone, no physical strength, two teenage boys to care for, and a small business to run, Marilyn began a determined struggle for recovery. After one year of treatment, Marilyn started to get her life back. When her results came back clear, Marilyn resolved to do something every year to fight the fight and encourage others affected by cancer including fund-raising efforts. On the 10th anniversary of her diagnosis, Marilyn led a group of 28 family members and close friends in the Avon Walk in San Francisco. To raise funds for their participation, they began making and selling tutus as part of the Tutus for Tatas Team effort.
Marilyn also had the honor of presenting Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey to Will Routley of Team Jelly Belly. 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 the San Jose Mercury News article about the 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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