Today we began the second half of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC), travelling with the Breakaway from Cancer campaign and the pro cyclists of the ATOC. Stage 5, Seaside to Paso Robles, is the first sunny day we’ve had since the Tour began Sunday and it was absolutely gorgeous in the heart of California’s wine country.
We’ve celebrated four cancer champions so far this tour, with one more to go on Sunday. They are inspirations to their community and to all of us, and they represent not just themselves but the HUNDREDS of cancer survivors and caregivers that we’ve spoken with in the Breakaway from Cancer booth in the five cities we’ve visited so far. In our Breakaway mile cities, five along this year’s tour route, we are joined by an army of survivors, their loved ones and caregivers, and proudly walk with these men and women in our Breakaway from Cancer mile down the course and across the same finish line that the cyclists cross. It is an honor to be part of this team, with survivors and their loved ones, and with our national non-profit partners that offer expertise and resources to the public.
I had the pleasure of seeing a familiar face today, Lee, and his wife who I first met in Philadelphia two years ago when he visited the Breakaway from Cancer booth. Lee is an avid cyclist, a cancer survivor, and he often uses the resources of Breakaway from Cancer. Lee is just one example of why we are out on the road, educating the public about the resources that we can offer in the cancer continuum.
I can’t wait to get back out on the road again tomorrow in Solvang. Thanks to all of our cancer champions, our hosts cities, and to everyone that has taken time to talk with us along the way!
