A local cancer survivor will get the wheels turning on leg four of the 11th Annual Amgen Tour of California bike race — the largest pro bicycle race in the U.S. — when it pushes off Wednesday morning from Morro Rock.
Amgen is truly honored to recognize Missy Swanson and many other cancer survivors during the Amgen Tour of California
As part of the company’s “Breakaway from Cancer” initiative, San Luis Obispo resident and cancer survivor, Melissa “Missy” Swanson, “will fire the start gun to send the athletes on their way to Monterey County at Laguna Seca,” Amgen said in a press statement.
The program, “aims to increase awareness of the important resources available to people affected by cancer — from prevention through survivorship. Missy is a member of the SurviveOars, a team of women dragon boat paddlers, who can be regularly seen gliding up and down the harbor, training for competitions with other survivor groups in dragon boat regattas. Her SurviveOars teammates give her support, strength and vitality.
“Amgen is truly honored to recognize Missy Swanson and many other cancer survivors during the Amgen Tour of California,” said Raymond C. Jordan, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Amgen. “Similar to the sport of cycling where it takes a team to achieve success, one person alone cannot beat cancer. Amgen is proud to be a part of the team to help empower patients with education, resources and hope through Breakaway from Cancer.”
Missy was “introduced to the ‘Young Survivors’ support group,” Jordan said, “where she met friends who have a zest for life. Friends willing to sit side-by-side with her during chemo treatments, and ‘kidnap’ her for afternoons simply to escape from it all and have a little bit of fun.
Going through treatment, paddling was a key in regaining some control over her life. “For her, it was exercise and the need to be around for her son in the future,” Amgen said. “Swanson hopes others find their passion and let that drive you to thrive through cancer.”
On Wednesday, Missy will be introduced to the previous day’s recipient of Breakaway from Cancer’s “Most Courageous Rider” jersey. “This jersey is awarded to the cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer — courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance.”
For more information, see: www.breakawayfromcancer.com.
And as for Wednesday morning, the City has issued several road closure alerts and is inviting residents to come down to Coleman Park for a party, from 8-11 a.m. There won’t be any public parking available, so if you want to attend, ride a bike or walk down for the start.
The race is slated to get going at 10 a.m. and the riders, who will follow a route that takes them down Main Street from Pacific to Yerba Buena, should clear town by about 10:25.
The City will close Embarcadero from Morro Rock to Pacific Street; Pacific from Embarcadero to Main; and Main Street from Pacific to Yerba Buena. Also, the Hwy 1 northbound off ramps at Main Street, Hwy 41, San Jacinto and Yerba Buena will also be closed for at least a portion of this time.
Street closures will be in effect from 9:50-10:25 a.m. Expect a traffic jam or avoid driving through town during that time period.