Past Events

February 27, 2007
Breakaway From Cancer Initiative Reaches Record Crowds at 2007 Amgen Tour of California

On Sunday, February 25, as Stage 7, the final stage of the 2007 Amgen Tour of California rolled in to Long Beach, it was clear that the crowds of spectators exceeded expectations, breaking the record attendance of 1.3 million for the 2006 Amgen Tour and setting a new record, nearly 1.6 million, as largest single sporting event in California history. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

The Amgen Tour was also provided an opportunity to increase awareness for Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative and for its inaugural Breakaway Miles.

Breakaway from Cancer
Amgen created Breakaway from Cancer in 2005 as a complementary component to its title sponsorship to the Amgen Tour of California. The initiative raises awareness and funds for vital non profit services and programs supporting people affected by cancer.

“Through the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, Amgen, The Wellness Community (TWC) and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) have reached hundreds of thousands of people with hope and information about vital services for those affected by cancer,” said Cynthia Schwalm, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. “We plan to continue the Breakaway from Cancer initiative throughout the year and will continue to raise awareness and support for organizations that provide support and resources for people affected by cancer.”

Breakaway from Cancer spokesperson and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Patrick Dempsey was on hand in San Francisco and Long Beach to support the initiative, meeting with its non profit partners and guests, including cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.

There were many opportunities throughout the race to provide awareness about Breakaway from Cancer and, more importantly, the free support services provided by TWC and NCCS. Each finish city hosted a Lifestyle Festival which featured a booth sponsored by Amgen, as well as booths staffed by the non profit partners. In the Amgen booth, visitors were invited to sign the Breakaway from Cancer inspiration wall. Since thousands of cancer patients, survivors, friends, family, and supporters were moved to leave their thoughts on the wall, blank walls were filled within a day.

TWC and NCCS used their booths to connect directly with festival attendees by handing out important information on resources and services each provides. During the race, TWC reported a 35 percent increase in overall traffic to their 800 number and Web site.

Additionally, representatives from both of the non profit partner organizations participated in stage presentations during the race, allowing them the opportunity to honor the thousands of cancer patients, survivors and caregivers each organization supports.

Breakaway Miles
This year, Amgen hosted four individually unique Breakaway Miles that took place at the finish line of the Amgen Tour of California, prior to the final stage of the professional race in Santa Rosa, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo and Santa Clarita. Each of the one-mile rides was led by a cancer survivor on a tandem bike paired with an Amgen scientist who has played a crucial role in developing breakthrough medicines. Following the tandem bike was the survivor’s peloton comprised of caregivers, family members, other cancer survivors and healthcare professionals who have supported the survivor’s win against cancer.

Santa Rosa
Cancer survivor Marilyn Butcher and Amgen scientist Astrid Ruefli-Brasse; Cancer survivor Bob Hammer

Sacramento
Cancer survivor Pam Grant and Amgen scientist Dr. Steve Elliott Cancer survivor Dina Howard

San Luis Obispo
Cancer survivor Dr. Tom Vendegna and Amgen scientist D. David Lacey; Robin O’Leary, who rode in memory of her husband, Keith

Santa Clarita
Cancer survivor Heather Warrick and Amgen scientist Dr. Joe Miletich