THOUSAND OAKS, CA–(Marketwire - January 10, 2008) - In an ongoing effort to raise awareness and support for free services and programs that help people affected by cancer, Amgen today announced television and film actor Patrick Dempsey appears in a public service announcement supporting the Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative.
Amgen created Breakaway from Cancer in 2005 as a complementary component to its sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California, an annual world-class cycling event that takes place in February. Designed to help empower people affected by cancer, the Breakaway from Cancer initiative supports the services of two nonprofit organizations — The Wellness Community (TWC), an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to people affected by cancer, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country. Now in its third year, the Breakaway from Cancer initiative continues to help those touched by cancer take an active role in their recovery and find the tools they need to live well with — and beyond — the disease.
Beginning this month, Dempsey is featured in the Breakaway from Cancer public service announcement that seeks to educate and empower those affected by cancer, reminding them that they don’t need to go through the experience alone. As Dempsey explains in the public service announcement, “one person alone does not beat cancer,” something he and his family learned through personal experience.
“My mother is a two-time ovarian cancer survivor and I know first hand how dealing with cancer can impact someone’s life,” said Dempsey. “I hope that by being part of the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, people will be inspired to seek the support they need from the wide array of free resources and services.”
The Breakaway from Cancer public service announcement will air on television and radio stations throughout the nation, and on www.breakawayfromcancer.com, beginning in early January.
“An important part in cancer survival is educating yourself through credible and accurate resources,” said Ellen Stovall, 36-year cancer survivor and president and CEO, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. “Thanks to Breakaway from Cancer, we’re educating people and making tools easily accessible to everyone.”
Breakaway from Cancer Charity Ride
To raise awareness and funds for people affected by cancer, a Breakaway from Cancer charity bicycle ride will take place in Palo Alto, Calif. on Sunday, February 10. The ride will encompass a moderate 25-mile course and finish line activities. Participants will have the opportunity to meet professional cyclist and Amgen Tour of California stage winner George Hincapie. Interested riders can register by visiting www.breakawayfromcancer.com.
Breakaway Miles During the Amgen Tour of California
“For more than 26 years, Amgen has tapped the power of pioneering science and innovation to discover and develop vital medicines to help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses,” said Cynthia Schwalm, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. “That’s why Amgen is proud to sponsor the Amgen Tour of California again in its third year as a vehicle to further empower cancer patients and their families with education and hope through the Breakaway from Cancer initiative.”
Similar to professional cycling where it takes a solid support team to help a rider breakaway from the pack, it takes a strong support network to help a person breakaway from cancer. In honor of cancer survivors everywhere, Amgen created the Breakaway Mile — a one-mile bike ride that takes place at the finish line of the Amgen Tour of California, prior to the stage conclusion of the professional race. The Breakaway Mile will take place in four 2008 race host cities including Santa Rosa, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo and Santa Clarita. Each Breakaway Mile will feature a local cancer survivor and an Amgen scientist who plays a crucial role in developing breakthrough medicines.
“Thanks to awareness initiatives like Breakaway from Cancer, patients and their caregivers feel empowered to seek out resources, like those provided at The Wellness Community and other organizations, to help them take an active role in their cancer experience,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO, The Wellness Community.
More information about the Breakaway from Cancer initiative and the valuable services and programs offered by The Wellness Community and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is available at www.breakawayfromcancer.com.