I’m a little behind with posting about the fantastic time I had as the Breakaway from Cancer Champion at the Amgen Tour of California. Apologies for that. I’ve had a busy week at work, tapering/prepping for the big race on Monday (not to mention stressing out). I was also offered an amazing opportunity by USA Triathlon to write a few blogs for their website about my story, paratriathlon and USA Paratriathlon National Championship race. Check that out HERE.
Back to the Amgen Tour of California. Last Sunday, I had the honor of representing Los Angeles area cancer patients and survivors as the Breakaway from Cancer Champion for Stage 8 of the Amgen Tour of California. I was VERY excited even before I arrived. I was introduced to some key players in the fight against cancer who work for Amgen. It was amazing to talk to them and I’m so thankful for that opportunity. (Side note- I also got to meet Carson Daly who was there representing Breakaway from Cancer too. I kind of felt like I was 13 again. I am, after all, part of the TRL generation! Plus I listen to him every morning haha.)
After some breakfast and chatting, we went out to start the Breakaway Mile. Sponsored by Amgen, the Breakaway Mile takes place at the finish line of the Amgen Tour of California to honor the millions of cancer survivors worldwide. I got to meet some other inspiring cancer survivors as we walked through downtown Los Angeles. There were lots of photos and then I was interviewed on stage. I get a little bit nervous when I participate in events like this. I’m not out there to gain publicity for myself but rather to advocate for adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors everywhere. We are definitely a special group!
(Video courtesy of Mistarhoi)
After that, we watched the riders come through for their last stage of the Tour of California. It was amazing to watch! These riders are incredible athletes and it definitely pumped me up for my upcoming race. When the race concluded, I went over to the Awards staging area and got ready to present Amgen’s Most Courageous Rider jersey. I presented it to Robbie McEwen who was riding his final race after a fantastic cycling career.
Presenting Robbie McEwen with his Most Courageous Rider jersey!
When this concluded, I was invited to the press conference so I could get another photo with Robbie. I was invited up to the stage and was even asked a question during the press conference! What a cool experience!
Me with some of the top cyclists in the world! And the top finishers at Amgen’s Tour of California.
I left the event thinking about what an honor it was to be selected as the Breakaway from Cancer champion and have the opportunity to interact with Amgen scientists, cancer survivors and some of the top athletes in the world. I could not be more thankful! (A special thanks to AEG and Amgen as well as Mary, Leanne, and Alison who helped me through this fantastic event!) Breakaway from Cancer is a free resource for cancer patients, survivors and their families. CHECK IT OUT!!
