Breakaway from Cancer Honors Survivors

Marilyn Luma Santa Cruz, CA CHAMPION
In 1996, just three weeks after losing a very special friend and mentor to her teenage boys to cancer, Marilyn Luma was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and told her to get her affairs in order. From the beginning of the battle, Marilyn was focused on one job – to heal. She underwent major surgery and a chemotherapy clinical trial. With breast, hair and nails gone, no physical strength, two teenage boys to care for, a small business to run, and waning resources, Marilyn began a determined struggle for recovery. After one year of ongoing surgeries (nine total), 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. Shortly after her treatment, she became co-executive director of Missing Link, a nonprofit support group focused on telephone counseling, she's been the Executive Director of Jacob's Heart, Children's Cancer Association, and she has participated in fundraising efforts for cancer research through events like the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, the 3-Day Walk, Relay for Life, and the Susan G. KOMEN Race for the Cure. On the 10-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Marilyn led a group of 28 family members and close friends from all over the country 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 to meet their fundraising goals and wearing them to raise Awareness for the cause during training walks and the walks themselves. Today, Marilyn is busy preparing grants in support of a local African American Woman's Health nonprofit group ABC/African-American Community Health Group of the Central Coast.

Sandy Howard Modesto, CA CHAMPION
Sandy Howard was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago. At that time, she was 42-years-old with four children ages nine to 14, and her odds of survival were 30 percent. While the outlook was bleak, with the support of her husband, extended family and a wide network of friends, Sandy took on the fight with faith and courage. She underwent chemotherapy first, hoping to shrink the tumor enough for surgery, which was successful. Following a lumpectomy, Sandy had radiation treatment and was on the road to survivorship. Following treatment, Sandy struggled with insomnia, panic attacks, and depression. In addition to overcoming cancer, Sandy needed to also fight to heal emotionally. To help in that emotional healing, Sandy described her struggles and triumphs in what turned into a self-published book titled, "Life After Chemo". The book now serves as a useful tool for many women struggling with similar situations in the San Joaquin Valley and around the world. Sandy tirelessly makes herself available to anyone who may benefit from her experiences. Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Sandy was an avid recreational cyclist. When she passed the five-year anniversary of the diagnosis, and was cancer free, she and two close friends celebrated with a 250-mile bike trip down the coast of Central California. Friend Linda Erickson says, "We are all a little wiser, stronger and more enabled by her journey."

Tricia Bland Bakersfield, CA CHAMPION
At ages 19 and 21, Tricia Bland 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) more than 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. Tricia is a registered dietitian and personal trainer and uses this training to give back to the community by giving presentations and attending health fairs to share her story to inspire others. She strives to motivate others to see the value of nutrition and exercise to improve their quality of life and longevity. Tricia strongly believes that nutrition and exercise are an individual's two most controllable health factors.

Steve Bartolucci Thousand Oaks, CA CHAMPION
Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and a tumor in his abdomen in May 2000, Steve Bartolucci began the fight for his future. Focused on his marriage and two young children (ages 13 and 11 at the time), Steve began chemotherapy treatments to treat the tumor. During his first chemo weekend, Steve discovered the Tour de France on television. He also read Lance Armstrong's book, "It's Not About the Bike." That weekend changed Steve's life and he began cycling as a means of countering the effects of the chemo treatments. The treatments were effective and by November 2002 Steve completed his first serious bike ride, the 65-mile Solvang Prelude. However, the lymphoma was never really eliminated and he experienced relapses in 2003 and 2005, requiring additional treatment. During his fight, in 2003, Steve became a fundraiser and advocate for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and continues as a regional mentor for Team LiveSTRONG. He is also the leader of the LiveSTRONG Army of the Conejo Valley, and Steve participates in the annual Breakaway from Cancer ride in Thousand Oaks, as well as numerous other rides throughout the year. Steve dedicates his future toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle and helping those newly-diagnosed to navigate the path of cancer survivorship. In July 2008, Steve received his first clear scan, and is a great example of the "Attitude is Everything" mindset. May 18, 2010 marks the ten-year anniversary of his cancer diagnosis.