Breakaway from Cancer®Champions are those who inspire us the most, every day
Four individuals who have made a difference for others affected by cancer in their communities have been selected as Breakaway from Cancer Champions. They will be honored at the seventh consecutive edition of the Amgen Tour of California as part of Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative.
The Breakaway from Cancer Champions will lead the “Breakaway Mile,” an approximately one-mile march that celebrates cancer survivors and crosses the Amgen Tour of California finish line prior to the stage conclusion of the professional race. 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—courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance.
The Amgen Tour of California is America’s largest and most prestigious road cycling stage race, which will travel nearly 750 miles throughout California from May 13 – 20, 2012.
Santa Rosa
 Marc Van Riper – Marc Van Riper co-founded Kathy’s Camp for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the children of cancer patients. Kathy’s Camp for Kids is a place where fear of cancer is replaced with fun, friendship and encouragement.In 2010 Marc’s wife, Kathy, lost her 10 year battle with cancer; a battle that Marc, Kathy and their two children fought as a tight family unit… read more » |
Livermore
 Bob Hammer – Two-time testicular cancer survivor Bob Hammer for founded the “Have a Ball” Foundation, which has raised more than $1,000,000 since its start and benefits 20 cancer organizations, sends kids with cancer to camps and has established and granted scholarships for students.One week before he was set to have surgery, which would have left him unable to have more children, Bob, a two-time testicular cancer survivor, met Lance and Lance’s oncologist to discuss his options… read more » |
Clovis
 Susan Mott – Susan Mott for acted as a tireless advocate for awareness and fundraising for blood cancers. Specifically, Susan has raised money and organized blood drives for her toddler granddaughter, Madyn, who was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2011.On June 3, 2011, Susan’s life changed forever. Her 20-month-old granddaughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Susan immediately set out educating herself about the disease and how to support Madyn and her family… read more » |
Los Angeles
 Danielle McLaughlin – Cancer survivor Danielle McLaughlin worked hard advocating for young adults with cancer and set an example with her extraordinary accomplishments as a paratriathlete. Danielle is currently the National and World Paratriathlon Champion for Female Below-Knee Amputees.Less than one year after being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, Danielle had a recurrence in her left foot, and several weeks before her 18th birthday during her senior year of high school she had her left foot amputated… read more » |
