Hemet Man Among 10 Selected as 'Breakaway from Cancer Champions'

Courtesy photo.

By City News Service

A Hemet resident and three other Southern California residents are among 10 “Breakaway from Cancer Champions” selected following a nationwide search for survivors, patients, caregivers and advocates who have inspired those affected by cancer, Amgen announced Tuesday.

The 10 individuals will join breast cancer survivor and Honorary Breakaway from Cancer Champion Joan Lunden this weekend in Pasadena at the final stage of the 10th edition of the Amgen Tour of California, a professional cycling race sponsored by the Thousand Oaks-based biotechnology company.

The 10 will be recognized at a reception on Saturday and at the Pasadena overall finish of the Tour de France-style cycling road race on Sunday. They will watch the race near the finish line and will also participate in the “Breakaway Mile,” a special walk along the race course to honor the millions of cancer survivors worldwide.

Nick Gleissner of Hemet was in his sophomore year of high school when diagnosed with a malignant and inoperable brain stem tumor in February 2006, seven years after losing his brother to a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

A two-year stretch of hospitalizations, therapies and visits with specialists followed. Gleissner’s memory, speech and vision were affected, and he also had to re-learn to walk, talk, feed and dress himself.

His father bought him a three-wheeled adult trike that helped in his rehabilitation and sparked a passion for cycling. He rode in his first century ride in 2011 and has completed 15 more single century rides and two double century rides.

The other 2015 Breakaway from Cancer Champions from Southern California are:

• Mary Carrillo of Irvine, a single mother who made it her life mission to end blood cancers when she lost her 7-year-old son, Calvin, to acute lymphoblastic leukemian on March 24, 2014. She is deeply involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising funds for research and advocating for patients, and hopes to start a foundation in her son’s name that will assist pediatric cancer patients and their families;
• Robert Hess, a Manhattan Beach resident who, inspired by his own journey with cancer, founded the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project in 2006 to raise awareness surrounding early detection. Through PCAP, Hess developed ProstateTracker, an early warning tool that is free online, to monitor PSA levels and send reminders about annual screenings; and
• William Kenny of Los Angeles, who was a successful television writer and producer when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 30. His journey with cancer and interactions with nurses inspired him to go back to school. He’s now a Senior RN at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in some way or another, and Amgen’s hope is that by sharing the stories of these 10 courageous Breakaway from Cancer Champions, we will in turn help someone facing a similar situation,” said Raymond C. Jordan, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Amgen.