Breakaway from Cancer Honors Survivors

Peter Kelley Aspen, CO
Peter Kelley is not the kind of person you'd expect to get cancer. He cycles about 3,000 miles a year, mostly at high altitudes, as well as snow skis and water skis. But in November 2008, he learned that he had stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Peter started chemotherapy in early December 2008 and finished in late March 2009. He knows that his cancer may not be curable but it's in remission now, "which really makes each day even sweeter," he says. Peter has set a goal of raising $35,000 for LIVESTRONG this year, to benefit Lance Armstrong's charitable foundation, and he plans to participate in the Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge, in October. "A little defiance on my part and a lot of superb care at Aspen Valley Hospital, got me down the road to where I am today," he says. "I'm looking to the future and fortunately, I've got one." Peter will also be riding in the Amgen sponsored Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb from 7,000 to 14,000 feet, on July 24th, a ride he has done twice before his diagnosis, but this is the first time since his remission from lymphoma.

Mike Callahan Sacramento, CA
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on July 28, 2009, Mike Callahan underwent chemotherapy and a subsequent hematopoietic stem cell transplant. He had always been a lover of science, but after his cancer diagnosis, Mike developed a strong appreciation for the research and scientific advances that "helped him survive" and the physicians able to implement these advances. Along the way, Mike was also inspired by the kindness and intelligence of his caregivers, the selfless support of his wife and family, and the generosity of those who have given blood or registered to be a blood marrow donor. Callahan says, "Without the direct help from those gracious people I would not be here living this good life." Now six months beyond a bone marrow transplant, Mike is doing well and looking forward to returning to his days as a dog scooter racer.

Deborah Peters Thousand Oaks, CA
Diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2007, Peters immediately made a decision on how she was going to fight the disease. She explains, "Although I didn't choose to have cancer, it was my choice on how to handle it. I had cancer, cancer didn't have me." Deborah created a regular e-mail to her friends, co-workers, and family with updates on her physical and emotional journey. She says, "Their feedback was always encouraging, which actually added to the positive feelings… and I believe that having a positive outlook helps." In September of 2009, Peters successfully achieved her goal of walking 39.3 miles for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and looks forward to the next walk in September 2010. She says, "I'm proud to be a survivor."

Annie Lozada Silverado, CA
Annie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February 2008 and shortly after underwent two surgeries to remove her thyroid and several cancerous lymphnodes. Lozada's experience with cancer taught her that life is too precious to waste and to embrace each day. By October 2008 and Lozada was pursuing her lifelong dream of hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. In May 2010, Annie celebrated two years cancer-free and I won her age group in her first triathlon. She sums up her attitude towards the disease, "Cancer is just a speed bump in the road of life!"

Pam Moffitt Sioux Rapids, IA
Diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2003, Moffitt explains, "diagnosed in October I was certain I would be dead by Christmas, but a cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence!" Today, she thanks her surgeon, oncology team, family, and her friend and fellow survivor Penny – "without them I surely would not be NED 6+ years after receiving a Stage IV NSCLC diagnosis."

Leo Granucci Nevada City, CA
Diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in a lymph node in October 2009, Leo Granucci says that, "Cancer robbed me of that blissful ignorance that led me to believe that tomorrow stretched forever. In exchange, I was granted the vision to see each today as a precious gift to be used wisely and richly." Leo completed treatment in February 2010 and credits the staff at Sierra Nevada Hospital Cancer Center for their compassionate care and positive reinforcement, as well as his wife, family and friends for their wonderful support.

Linda Hegle Grass Valley, CA
Breast cancer survivor Linda Hegle believes that it is critically important and necessary to create a positive attitude toward treating cancer and maintaining excellent physical fitness during the entire journey. While she was awaiting biopsy results, she was on a training run and sensed the diagnosis would be positive for cancer. From that moment on, she remained grounded with a positive attitude. In addition, she resumed her physical fitness routine as soon as she was able, and believes that a fit body, healthy and proper nutrition and a positive attitude should be a lifelong reality.

Angela Murphy Grass Valley, CA
High school student Angela Murphy was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma in December 2008. Throughout her journey, she was determined to keep fighting and hold onto hope. Angela was determined not to be a statistic and she relied on her faith. In April 2009 Angela finished treatment and found great joy in rejoining the swim and water polo teams at her high school.

Christopher Olszewski Sacramento, CA
Christopher was diagnosed with leukemia shortly before the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. As an avid cyclist, he had hoped to be a spectator during the race, but instead spent the first day of the Amgen Tour of California receiving his first chemotherapy treatment. Cycling has been pivotal to his treatment and rides provide him with extra stamina needed to fight the disease. Because of the support he has received from friends, family, doctors and nurses, Christopher says that he has been focused on winning and not burdened with the issues that could hamper his attitude.

Alison Levie Sonoma County, CA
At age eight, Alison Levie was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma, a rare spinal cord tumor that was the size of a baseball. The tumor was found during an examination of flu symptoms and emergency room doctor ordered a chest x-ray. Fourteen years later, Alison remembers being a scared little girl afraid to close her eyes at night, but believes that she can now be a messenger to inspire others by sharing her story. Alison has volunteered more than 1,000 hours to speak about cancer and help give back to the community that supported her while battling the disease. Alison has used the strength she gained from her struggles with cancer as motivation to pursue every opportunity. Alison was named Miss Sonoma County 2010, will graduate college this year and already has a job confirmed. She hopes to one day be a chief financial officer for a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

Patrick Devinger San Francisco, CA
In 2008 at the age of 30, Patrick was fresh out of graduate school and two months into a new job when he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. He underwent extensive surgery that removed 30 percent of his tongue and most of the lymph nodes on the left side of his neck. He was lucky that the cancer was caught early, but the diagnosis was still tough emotionally. Patrick found overwhelming support and strength from family, friends, co-workers and The Wellness Community – San Francisco East Bay, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community. Patrick and his wife Molly found The Wellness Community after visiting the Breakaway from Cancer website. Through this process, Patrick says he truly learned there is no better time to fully embrace life that is waiting for you, than this very moment. Patrick and his wife, Molly, welcomed their first child, a son, in December 2009. He says "Life is beautiful; perhaps more so, after cancer."

Jeff Castelaz Los Angeles, CA
Jeff Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thraikill co-founded the Pablove Foundation, which is named after his son Pablo Castelaz who was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms' Tumor, a rare form of children's cancer, on May 17, 2008. Pablo underwent treatment at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and on June 27, 2009, Pablo's individual fight with cancer ended. Pablo's parents fight on in his name, with the spirit that Pablo embodies and inspired. Each year, the Pablove Foundation gives money to improve the lives of children with cancer, at both a national and local level in Los Angeles. The Pablove Foundation supports play activities, music and arts programs because something as simple as a board game, a book or an art easel brings such joy to the heart of a child whose life has been temporarily reduced to a small hospital room. Jeff and Pablo attended the Amgen Tour of California together in 2009 in Pasadena.

Parker Allan Fritsch Fresno, CA
Parker Allan Fritsch was diagnosed with cancer one month before his third birthday. Now, an active nine-year-old involved with ongoing treatment, he's undergone a bone marrow transplant, more than three years of chemotherapy and full- body radiation. Along the way, Parker has had the incredible support of his family, cycling team, church congregation and friends. In fact, the local charity cycling team that raises funds for charities in Parker's honor even changed its name to "Parker's Team" in 2005. An inspiration to those who meet him, Parker and his family know how important it is to treat each day as special and never wait for tomorrow to do what you can do today!

Tom Rafalovich Thousand Oaks, CA
Tom was diagnosed with oral cancer of the tongue in October 2007. He believes it's important for cancer patients to be proactive and research choices and ways to stay healthy during treatments. Tom admits that fighting cancer can feel overwhelming at times, but the right information, expert opinions, and support from family and friends can help patients choose the path that is right for them. He says that he has been "fortunate to have family and friends willing to take care of me during the tough times so I could focus on getting better."

Andreas Knickman Newbury Park, CA
At the age of 13, in the summer of 2009, Andreas was diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Andreas, a very active teenager, enjoys cycling, hiking/backpacking and skiing. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and surgery on his left distal femur; the femur was replaced with a prosthesis and artificial knee. Today his scans declare no evidence of the disease and he is attending physical therapy to build his strength. To stay active as he builds strength, Andreas cycles with his dad on a custom-built tandem bicycle. In April, they rode the tandem bike in the Breakaway Ride to raise awareness of cancer support resources. Andreas' dad, Roy Knickman, a Paso Robles fire fighter, is a retired professional cyclist, the 1984 Olympic Bronze medalist, a two-time Tour de France competitor and the 1996 Olympic team coach.