Breakaway Stories
Nobody can speak about cancer better than those who have been there. Breakaway from Cancer®
has collected inspirational stories from patients who are going through, or have gone through,
their own cancer journey. Find encouragement from the shared experiences below.
Breakaway from Cancer Champions
click here to learn more
2012 Stories
Marc Van Riper*
Santa Rosa,CA
Danielle McLaughlin*
Los Angeles,CASynovial sarcoma
Susan Mott*
Clovis,CAAcute lymphoblastic leukemia
Bob Hammer*
Livermore,CATesticular cancer
Natalie Burbach
Livermore,CABreast Cancer
Kristen Short
Norway,MEBreast cancerSherrie Clark
Windsor,CABreast cancer
Joe DiGregorio
Santa Rosa,CANon-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Dan Zenka
Santa Monica,CAProstate cancer
Kenneth L. Hicks,
Major USMCR (Ret)
Chino Hills,CANon-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Amanda Reid
Santa Rosa,CANon-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Calvin Nokes
Alexandria,VAAnal cancer
Peter Crescenti
Camarillo,CAProstate cancer
2011 Stories
Reine Wiley
Thousand Oaks,CACancinoid cancer
Deleena Rankin
San Miguel,CABrain tumor
Leona Delos Reyes
Modesto,CABreast cancer, liver
and bone cancer
Prakashni Shandil
West Sacrameto,CAAcute myeloid
leukemia
Stuart Jed
Incline Village,NevPancreatic cancer
Jackie Rath
Thousand Oaks ,CAHodgkin's lymphoma
Lisa Lurie
Pittsburgh,PABreast cancer
Laura Pedicini
Gustine,CABreast cancer
Kristin Alexander
Arroyo Grande,CABreast cancer
Cindy Yorgason
Ogden,UTBreast cancer
Blaine Mauldin
Mountain View,CATesticular cancer
Angie Suttles
Anderson,SCVulva and breast cancer
Janet O'Hanlon
Truckee,CABreast cancerKaren Rice
Houston,TXBreast and colon cancer
Jenny Geresy
Truckee,CAOvarian cancer
Sam Dickerson
Modesto,CAColon cancer
Lindsay Harbison
Tahoma,CABreast cancer
Caitlyn Drennan
South Lake Tahoe,CANeuroblastoma
Melanie Fernandez
Modesto,CABreast cancer
Donna Gutierrez
Virginia,Breast cancer
Jasan Zimmerman
Silicon Valley,CANeuroblastoma and thyroid cancer
Lee Hansen
Camden,NYLung cancer
Patricia Kosich
Thousand Oaks,CABreast cancerScott Thomas
Lovell,MEColon cancer
Rhonda Golob-Drake
Islandton,SCBrain cancer
Patrick Devinger
San Francisco,CABreast cancer
Sharishta Shourie
Santa Monica,CABreast cancer
Andy & Dottie Leven
San Francisco,CAProstate cancer
Kristine Fargotstein
Washington D.C.,Melanoma
Mary-Ellen KirkbrideLung cancer
Patrick and Michael SkehanColon cancer
2010 Stories
Marilyn Luma
Santa Cruz,CABreast cancer
Sandy Howard
Modesto,CABreast cancer
Tricia Bland
Bakersfield,CABreast cancer
Steve Bartolucci
Thousand Oaks,CANon-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Leo Granucci
Nevada City,CASquamous cell carcinomaAndreas Knickman
Newbury Park,CABone cancerParker Allan Fritsch
Fresno,CAJeff Castelaz
Los Angeles,CABilateral Wilms' tumorPatrick Devinger
San Francisco,CATongue cancerAlison Levie
Sonoma County,CASpinal cord tumorChristopher Olszewski
Sacramento,CALeukemiaAnnie Lozada
Silverado,CAThyroid cancerTom Rafalovich
Thousand Oaks,CATongue cancer
Linda Hegle
Grass Valley,CABreast cancerDeborah Peters
Thousand Oaks,CABreast cancerPam Moffitt
Sioux Rapids,IALung cancerMike Callahan
Sacramento,CALeukemiaPeter Kelley
Aspen,CONon-Hodgkin's lymphomaAngela Murphy
Grass Valley,CASynovial cell sarcoma
2009 Stories
Lisa Burnett
Clovis,CAOvarian cancerBeth Blackstone
Santa Cruz,CABreast cancer
Dan Murray
Turlock,CAProstate cancer
Deanna Mete
Atascadero,CABreast cancer
Blaine Mauldin
Mountain View,CATesticular cancer
Travis Hagen
Sacramento,CATesticular cancerCharyl Benton
Santa Ynez,CABreast cancerMary Barth
Paso Robles,CAOvarian cancer
Joe Ferrara
Santa Cruz,CAProstate cancer
Michele Fortes
Sacramento,CABreast cancer
Janet Robertson
Visalia,CAThyroid cancer
Virginia Rasmussen
Burbank,CAOvarian cancer
Jere Carpentier
San Jose,CAHodgkin's, lymphoma and colon cancer
Deborah Dunham
Davis,CABreast cancer
Sonia Cortez
Alhambra,CAThyroid cancer
Sandy Worth
Santa Clarita,CABreast cancer
Karen Card
Santa Cruz,CABreast cancer
Jack Webb
Lompoc,CAProstate cancer
Nadine Spertus
San Diego,CABreast cancer
Michael Ruel
Lake Sherwood,CATongue cancer
Carol Scurich
Scotts Valley,CABreast cancer
Lori Romig
Thousand Oaks,CA
Nanci Navarro
Modesto,CAOvarian cancer
Linda Martins
Modesto,CABreast cancer
2008 Stories
Serena Hollingsworth
Solvang,CABreast cancer
Ellen Cirigliano
San Jose,CABrain cancer
Katherine Boyd
Modesto,CABreast cancer
Tom Pomeroy
San Jose,CACLL
Phil Delgadillo
San Jose,CAHodgkin's lymphoma
Samuel Dickerson
Modesto,CAColon cancer
Rita Grodt
Modesto,CABreast cancer
Jane Bender
Santa Rosa,CABreast cancer
Jacob DeLong
Santa Clarita,CALeukemia
Tom Whittaker
Santa Barbara,CABrain cancer
Patrick Downing
Santa Clarita,CAHead and neck
cancers
Nancy Novak
Sausalito,CAOvarian cancer
Patt Baenen
Palo Alto,CABreast cancer
Justin Chueh
Palo Alto,CANon-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Vicki Laidig McCuish
Altadena,CABreast cancer
Kathy and Marc were inspired to start Kathy's Camp for Kids, which serves as a support
system for children of cancer patients.
At the age of 18 Danielle had her left foot amputated, but that didn't stop her from
becoming a paratriathlete.
After Susan's 20-month-old granddaughter, Madyn, was diagnosed with leukemia, she
became an advocate for awareness and fundraising with blood drives.
Bob Hammer is known for his work within the cancer community and starting the "Have
a Ball" Foundation.
For many reasons, Natalie believes that cancer was a blessing and that it changed her life
for the better.
Kristen's cancer journey and experiences inspired her to write and produce a five-minute video called "My Journey," about the two-year anniversary of her diagnosis.
Sherrie faced her aggressive breast cancer with grace and composure and always
demonstrated a greater concern for others than for herself.
Despite having to face recurrence three times in six years, Joe has maintained a positive
attitude.
When diagnosed with prostate cancer Dan's life turned from longtime advocate to
patient.
Ken is a proud Marine who has fought for his country and will brave any fight that comes
his way.
Amanda feels it's her responsibility as a survivor to be as open and honest about the
whole experience, the good the bad and the ugly.
Calvin was inspired by fellow survivor Donna Guinn Kaufman and thanks her and the
American Cancer Society for their support.
Peter says, "Cancer is a scary thing and I believe that education and awareness will help me better understand this cancer that affects 1 in 6 men."
Reine reached out to former Breakaway from Cancer Champion Steve Bartolucci, saying
"I've just recently been diagnosed with cancer and I'd like you to help me Live
STRONG."
Deleena watched Lance Armstrong videos for inspiration.
Every person who meets Leona is able to see the passion she has for finding a cure so that
the world can break away from this horrible disease.
Prakashni says, "When I got the bone marrow transplant, it was a new life for me - a new
birthday." She found a donor in her brother Anil, whom was stationed in Iraq.
Throughout his tough journey with cancer, Stu maintains his "never say die" attitude.
When Jackie was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, she found strength and courage
from her daughter Taelor.
Linda says, "It's not about being vain, but about desperately trying to hold onto your
sense of self when the sand is shifting under your feet."
Laura knew the importance of a strong support system, leaning on her friends and
coworkers for inspiration and love.
After watching her mother fight breast cancer, Kristin knew the importance of exercising,
eating healthy and faced cancer head on.
Cindy believes keeping a positive attitude is crucial when facing cancer; to be poisoned
in order to live is a wild idea, but at this time, this is the way one is able to overcome
cancer.
Blaine feels it his duty as a cancer survivor to be an advocate, as well as inspire people to
overcome this disease.
Over a twelve-year battle with two stage 4 cancers while in her thirties, Angie learned the
importance of family.
After her diagnosis Janet found a network with Cancer Support Community.
Karen believes that when you survive a tragedy or disease, it is because "you have a
purpose" and she wants to find God's plan for her.
When only 15 years old, Jenny found out she had ovarian cancer. She is still living life
with a smile on her face and continues to inspire others.
Through two diagnoses with colon cancer, Sam remains positive and uses his story to
emphasize the importance of getting a colonoscopy.
Lindsay helps others find strength and courage by sharing her story and journey with
breast cancer.
Caitlyn was diagnosed at 34 weeks gestational age with neuroblastoma. She is a source of
hope for all that have met her and heard her story.
Melanie persevered through the burdens of school and everyday life, and graduated on
time all while undergoing chemotherapy. She is an inspiration to her friends and cancer
community.
Gutierrez calls her cancer diagnosis "a spiritual awakening." "It really reprioritized
everything for me."
As a three-time survivor Jasan got involved in advocacy work and found comfort in
writing.
After a third recurrence of lung cancer, Lance Armstrong's book "It's Not About the
Bike" gave Lee the determination to get back on his bike.
Patricia's experience with breast cancer was a time of personal growth and a time to focus
on her and her daughters' well being.
Scott urges everyone to be proactive in cancer prevention.
Rhonda is grateful to Patient Advocate Foundation for its support during her father's
fight with brain cancer.
In 2008 at the age of 30, Patrick was fresh out of graduate school and two months into a ...
Sharishta turned to Cancer Support Community, Santa Monica during her journey with
breast cancer.
Andy says of his wife Dottie, "Our relationship grew stronger as a result of my cancer
diagnosis, because I was reminded every day how much my wife cared for me in new and
inspiring ways."
Kristine stresses the importance of early detection, "Had I not said something to my
dermatologist that day, I wouldn't have seen her again for months. It could have
developed into life-threatening melanoma by then."
Mary-Ellen volunteered in a study for former smokers to honor her father who died of
lung cancer. She tells everyone that early detection and prevention can save your life.
After losing Patrick, Andrea and Michael know the importance of reducing cancer risk
through early screening and healthy living.
After beating the cancer, Marilyn resolved to do something every year to fight the fight
and encourage others affected by cancer.
To help in emotional healing, Sandy described her struggles and triumphs in what turned
into a self-published book titled, Life After Chemo.
Tricia is a huge believer in living a healthy lifestyle and being actively involved in the
cancer community.
After finding inspiration in Lance Armstrong's book, Steve found solace in cycling.
Through Leo's cancer treatment, he is grateful to the staff at Sierra Nevada Hospital
Cancer Center and his wife for their compassion.
Bone cancer and the resulting surgery did not stop 13-year-old Andreas from cycling.
Parker was diagnosed when he was just three years old. Now nine, he and his family
have a new appreciation for life.
The parents of Pablo Castelaz keep his legacy alive through the Pablove Foundation,
which gives money to improve the lives of children with cancer.
When Patrick was diagnosed with tongue cancer, he found support and strength from
family, friends, and Cancer Support Community.
Alison believes she can be a messenger to inspire others by sharing her story.
Christopher's passion for cycling has been pivotal to his treatment, along with the support
of his friends and family.
Annie's attitude toward cancer is, "Cancer is just a speed bump in the road of life!"
Tom tells others the importance of being proactive in prevention and staying healthy.
Linda believes in the importance of keeping a positive attitude and maintaining an active
lifestyle during treatment.
Deborah wrote regular emails to friends updating on her progress during treatment, which
helped her keep a positive outlook.
Without the support of her friends, family, and doctors Pam would not have kept a
positive attitude.
After learning he had leukemia and undergoing a stem cell transplant, Mike has a strong
appreciation for research and scientific advances.
Peter believes his defiance and the care at the Aspen Valley Hospital got him where he is
today.
As a high school student, Angela was determined not to be a statistic and relied on her
faith.
Lisa's motto for her family to follow: "There's always hope, and miracles happen all the
time."
Beth credits the Peer Navigator Program at Stanford University, which pairs cancer
patients with survivors.
Most importantly, Dan says, "Realize that you have cancer. It doesn't have you. Life is
still worth living, maybe more so now."
Just 8 days after her last treatment, Deanna completed a triathlon.
Blaine enjoys meeting fellow cancer survivors and is amazed by the immediate powerful
bond and mutual respect between them.
After two years of treatment for testicular cancer, Travis remains an active recreational
cyclist and father to two young children.
Through her diagnosis and treatments, Charyl has put faith in God.
Mary suggests, "first listen to your heart and get through the sadness, anger and fear."
By attending the monthly meetings of the Santa Cruz Prostate Support Group, Joe learned
that education is key, especially for men who do not like to go to the doctor.
Michele thanks cycling, her bicycle club and friends for being there and supporting her.
Janet was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2005 and believes exercise improves a
person's odds to beat cancer.
Virginia turned to Cancer Support Community in Pasadena for support and strength.
After her third battle with cancer, Jere valued the support the Lance Armstrong
Foundation and her loved ones provided.
Deborah has a new appreciation for life and has found strength within her family and
Lance Armstrong's inspiring stories and books.
Sonia values the strength and support she found in The Wellness Community (now
Cancer Support Community) in Pasadena.
Sandy says her doctors treated her cancer, but her husband healed her and for that she
will be forever grateful.
Karen suggests those faced with cancer stay positive and get as many foot rubs, hugs and
gentle massages as possible.
Jack suggests that other cancer survivors seek out second opinions, participate in group
meetings and have faith.
Nadine says, "Cancer may have turned my life upside down, but it made me into a far
better person than I ever thought possible."
He received strength to endure treatments from the positive energy of his wife and
children, relatives, friends and his medical team.
Carol feels cancer was destiny because it provided her a level of understanding to support
her sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years after her own diagnosis.
Following five years of treatment, Lori says, "We have come to know that our lives are
blessed, and each day, no matter what, is worth living."
Nanci hopes her positive attitude can give others inspiration. She says, "I have cancer,
cancer doesn't have me! Life is a journey and I'm loving every step!"
New doors opened for Linda and she cherishes the wonderful things that have resulted
from something as tragic as her cancer diagnosis.
Serena says that believing she was a survivor, fighting back, and not being willing to give
in to the disease helped her through those challenging times.
Ellen says, " Don't be afraid to ask for help or accept support. Living with cancer is
possible, and it doesn't have to be an entirely negative experience."
After Katherine was diagnosed with breast cancer she found strength by participating in
the Triumph Cycling Program.
Tom wants to remind people to live life one day at a time-and to live it like you've never
lived it before.
Phil credits his career with helping him stay busy rather than feel sorry for himself, and
he also credits his family and friends, especially his mother, for serving as a tremendous
support system
Because of his experience, Samuel wants to deliver a message to the world: "By the time
you reach the age of 50, it's time to schedule a colonoscopy."
Rita encourages cancer patients to seek out advice and ask questions.
Jane used her experience as a means to reach out to others. She learned to be vulnerable
and what gratitude really is.
Jacob's leukemia diagnosis at age six came just six years after his brother Justin lost his
battle to leukemia.
Tom's wife and daughters have helped keep things in perspective and remind him the
importance of life.
One night, Patrick heard a powerful voice say, "Stop thinking about death!" Since that
night Patrick's outlook on cancer has changed for the positive.
Created "Nancy's List" after fighting her way to a cure as a way for cancer survivors to
connect and support one another.
Pat credits her disease as a true eye-opener and understands the value of life.
Justin's diagnosis came when his wife was 5 months pregnant with their first child. Now in remission, he is active with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training cycling program.
Vicki attributes her survival to the community that supported and carried her through
treatment, especially The Wellness Community.
