Past Events

The Breakaway Mile

The Breakaway Mile takes place at four finish lines of the Amgen Tour of California, prior to the stage conclusion of the professional race.  The one-mile ride is sponsored by Amgen to help raise awareness of the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, which supports those who help people fighting cancer.  This event also celebrates the many scientific innovations that have and will lead to new treatments for cancer patients. 

In honor of cancer survivors everywhere, the Breakaway Mile features cancer survivor riding with the survivor’s critical support team including caregivers, family members, health care professionals and an Amgen scientist who plays a critical role in developing innovative medicines.

Santa Rosa, California – Monday, February 18, 2008

Theresa Coursey is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed with cancer in May 2006 and again exactly one year later. Having completed treatment in December 2007, Theresa credits her husband, kids, a large network of friends, fellow cancer survivors, and the staff at Redwood Regional Oncology for supporting her through her year-and-a-half battle against the disease. Her advice to those newly diagnosed with cancer is to “talk to other people who have been through it. Learn about your options and have someone go with you to appointments who can be your advocate and a second set of ears.” Theresa adds, “Get out and get some exercise, and do fun things during treatment as much as possible. Exercise is therapeutic.”

Joining Theresa on this on-mile honorary ride are her support team members including her husband, stepson, doctors and friends, as well Terry Rosen, vice president of Chemistry Research and Discovery at Amgen.

Sacramento, California – Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Stephanie Hineline lost her husband, Marty, in the spring of 2007 after his two-and-a-half-year battle with bladder cancer. During Marty’s hospice care in 2006, Stephanie was diagnosed with lung and breast cancer. She underwent multiple surgeries, four months of chemotherapy, and 33 days of radiation. Although Marty was terminally ill, he found the strength to care for his wife for eight months and see her through her battle before he lost his own. Stephanie now has a clean bill of health and is grateful for the support of her Capitol family, who went above and beyond by donating vacation time, providing a housekeeper and meals, and offering tremendous support. Stephanie, now happily raising her 10-year-old daughter, Athena, believes that when battling cancer, you must stay positive and have faith.

Joining Stephanie for the Breakaway Mile is her support team including her mother, brother, daughter and former boss, retired Senator Deborah Ortiz, as well as Amgen scientist Dr. David Lacey, senior vice president Research and South San Francisco Site Leader at Amgen.

San Luis Obispo, California – Thursday, February 21, 2008

At the same hour, on the same day in September 2003, married couple Deborah and Justin Baldwin each learned they were being diagnosed with cancer. Justin was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, and Deborah with breast cancer. In that short window of time, their lives were turned upside down. The Baldwins had two small children, were self-employed, and had no knowledge of or experience with cancer. With no organized assistance available in their area of San Luis Obispo County or elsewhere on the Central Coast, the Baldwins turned to family and friends for support. For five months they battled their cancers together—through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hospitalization. Cancer free today, Justin and Deborah are founding members of The Wellness Community of the Central Coast Valley/Ventura, a center that offers support and hope for the region’s more than 1,100 cancer patients annually diagnosed, as well as the area’s countless cancer survivors.

Joining Justin on his one-mile honorary ride is his support group of friends and Amgen scientist Steve Elliott, scientific executive director at Amgen.

Santa Clarita, California – Saturday, February 23, 2008

Upon turning 50, commercial pilot Robert Stitt received a recommendation from his doctor to undergo a colonoscopy. The results came back clear. However, 14 months later, he began experiencing abnormal symptoms so he visited another doctor and had a follow-up colonoscopy and biopsy. He was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in August 2005. After surgery, an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy, a series of radio frequency ablations, and alternative therapies, Robert is currently cancer free and has recently been cleared to start flying again. He says his wife, family, and friends were his strongest support system and that he has a new appreciation for life. Robert wants others to know that cancer is not a death sentence, that they shouldn’t feel alone, and that there are resources like The Wellness Community and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship to help people find options and resources.

Joining Robert on this one-mile honorary ride are his critical support team including good friends and his medical team as well as Amgen scientist Joe Miletich, senior vice president Research and Development.