The Total Cancer Wellness Blog

While We’re Waiting for a Cure, Life Goes On

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong announced this week that he is taking up professional cycling again in a crusade to raise awareness of the burden of cancer globally, particularly in countries where citizens suffer in silence because cancer isn’t part of the national conversation the way it is in the States. He notes that cancer kills 8 million people worldwide each year -- more than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Armstrong’s announcement comes on the heels of the national Stand Up 2 Cancer telethon and articles in both Time and Newsweek on the status of the war against cancer, all suggesting that new approaches, scientific cooperation, and increased funding will be necessary in order to make gains against cancer, which will claim some 565,000 American lives this year.

Meanwhile, more and more people are living with cancer -- an estimated 12 million cancer survivors in this country, with another 1.5 million new cancer cases expected to be diagnosed this year. While most of us can’t hope to win an international race, how we live with cancer – the ability to create and achieve goals – matters greatly.

And here is where we can take a lesson from survivors like Lance Armstrong and Laura Schwanger, 49, of Philadelphia, a breast cancer survivor who just returned with a bronze medal in Women’s Single Sculls from the Paralympics in Beijing.

An Army veteran diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and confined to a wheelchair since the early 1980s, Schwanger learned she had breast cancer in March 2006. Although doctors told her not to lift anything over five pounds for weeks after her surgery, she had to lift herself in and out of bed. Treatment left her seriously fatigued.

The day after her final radiation treatment, Schwanger joined "Return to Wellness," a fitness education program for women who are post treatment for breast cancer at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia. After completing the program, she started rowing with the Philadelphia Rowing Program for the Disabled, and won the U.S. Rowing National Championships seven months later, placing sixth in the world. The top three finishers were half her age. And none of them had battled breast cancer in the previous year.

Today, Schwanger says she’s stronger physically and mentally than she’s ever been.

While we promote research and prevention, we also need a national focus on the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. We need to acknowledge the social and psychological support systems that allow people like Armstrong and Schwanger to overcome emotional and physical challenges to achieve new dreams.

A 2007 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Cancer Care for the Whole Patient, concluded that good outcomes for cancer patients can only be achieved by adequately addressing patients’ psychosocial health needs in addition to their medical needs. According to the report, these needs range from providing patients with accurate information about their treatment options; assistance in coping with the emotions and stress that accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment; help managing disruptions in work, school, and family life; and logistical support, such as transportation and financial assistance.

The IOM report’s authors recommend creating an integrated model of care, in which health care professionals, caregivers and patients receive community-based cancer support services. Organizations such as The Wellness Community provide such free, professionally-led programs for cancer patients and their families at more than 100 locations worldwide, and on-line at TheWellnessCommunity.org. Many other outstanding organizations provide similar services at no cost to people with cancer. The Wellness Community also collaborates with academic and medical partners to conduct evidence-based research in the field of psychosocial oncology with the goal of improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers, and has plans to launch a new Cancer Survivorship Research and Training Institute in Philadelphia in 2009.

Given that the demand for cancer support and education services will only continue to grow, it is our hope that any national or global initiatives aimed at combating this disease will include a component that provides cancer patients, their families, and health professionals with the kind of social support services that are so vital to their quality of life and that are necessary to keep dreams like Lance and Laura’s alive.

The IOM report, "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient" needs to be front and center

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:40:00 +0000

As some of you may know, late in 2007 the Institute of Medicine (IOM), part of the National Academies in Washington, DC, released a report called "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs." The report states that:

"Americans place a high premium on new technologies to solve our health care needs. However, technology alone is not enough. Health is determined not just by biological processes but by people's emotions, behaviors, and social relationships."

The Wellness Community has been carrying out this mandate for over 26 years in communities across America and now abroad. We have been providing social and emotional support to tens of thousands of cancer patients to ensure that they have the best possible outcomes - to see to it that they have the tools to learn how to live well with cancer.

It is refreshing to see a report like this from a prestigious institution like the IOM which essentially validates our mission and gives us a clear mandate to move forward. You will be seeing many bold initiatives from The Wellness Community in the months ahead around how we plan to implement and institutionalize the recommendations in the report. We take this report seriously and believe that if carefully and properly implemented, it will ensure that the gold standard in care is available to all people affected by cancer.

The Amgen Tour of California Ends in Pasadena!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:48:00 +0000

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California came to an incredible end in Pasadena on Sunday! While the rain persisted on the final day of the Tour, both cyclists and spectators celebrated the big finale, which took place right by the Rose Bowl!

For the second year in a row, Levi Leipheimer came out as the winner of the Amgen Tour of California! Here he is with his wife Odessa:

We're also proud to say that Breakaway from Cancer spokesperson, George Hincapie, went on to win Stage 7. Both Kim Thiboldeaux from TWC and Michael Bergin from NCCS joined George on stage for the ceremony.

Overall, it was an amazing week being a part of the Amgen Tour of California. TWC would like to thank everyone involved for helping us extend our reach to so many people affected by cancer!

The Tour's Stage 5 Time Trial in Solvang

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:43:00 +0000

Mary Klem, Kathryn West, Alison Liebich and Kim Thiboldeaux

Today's Time Trial in Solvang turned out to be a spectacular day of the Amgen Tour of California. The morning started with clouds and rain, but eventually gave way to sunshine, which the cyclists and spectators greatly appreciated after yesterday's grueling weather conditions.

For those of you who have never been to Solvang, it's a quaint Dutch community in the middle of California with real windmills, delicious bakeries, and an incredible variety of wooden clogs for sale!

Spectators had a great time watching the Time Trial, which consisted of an intense 15 mile circuit route for each cyclist. Once again, Levi Leipheimer came out on top with an incredible time of 30 minutes, 46 seconds and maintained his position as overall leader of the race.

Tomorrow, cycling teams will travel from Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita for Stage 6 of the race. Check back for more race updates tomorrow!

Stage 4, a Test of Endurance

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:12:00 +0000

After San Jose provided some relief from bad weather, the cold rain was back yesterday as cyclists began Stage 4 of the Tour, and, this time, it was relentless. The 135 mile leg, the longest part of the Tour, should have taken the top cyclists 5-6 hours, but instead took nearly 7 hours to complete.

Although weather conditions were less than ideal, the people of the San Luis Obispo brought out their ponchos and umbrellas and enjoyed the Lifestyle Festival. TWC's Natalie Haskins had the opportunity to go up on the Finish Line stage and talk to crowds about TWC's free cancer support services for all people affected by cancer.

After many hours of waiting anxiously for the cyclists to come in, Dominique Rollin from Team Toyota-United made history by securing a solo victory! For those of you unfamiliar with the sport of cycling, a solo victory under these weather condition is almost unheard of. Cyclists usually ride in packs, or pelatons, with the cyclists in the front taking the brunt of the wind, and, therefore, having to use more energy. However, Rollin came in all on his own and defied all expectations of how the end would turn out.

Breakaway from Cancer spokesperson, George Hincapie, also made a great showing, coming in second, and Iker Camano of Team Saunier Duval-Scott came in third. Levi Leipheimer still managed to maintain the overall leader jersey and will lead the pack in today's Time Trial in Solvang.

San Jose Comes Out to Celebrate the Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:40:00 +0000

The day started out cold and gray in the city of Modesto, where cyclists began Stage 3 of the Tour. Teams traveled 103 miles on what may have been the most difficult leg of the race, which included 5 mountain climbs and temperatures that spanned from near freezing to 60 degrees!

Thankfully, it was a sunny day in San Jose, location of the Lifestyles Festival and the Stage 3 Finish Line. Robert Gesink from Team Rabobank barely edged out last year's Amgen Tour of California winner, Levi Leipheimer, to win today's race, while Leipheimer from Team Astana came in second and Jurgen Vandewalle from Team Quick Step came in third.

Representatives from TWC's newest facility in development, TWC-Silicon Valley, joined our booth today and spread the word of their efforts to bring TWC's free services of cancer support and education to the local community. TWC-Silicon Valley Board Member and cancer survivor, Ellen Cirigliano had the honor of sharing her story with a crowd of thousands on the Finish Line stage...

...as well as presenting world renowned cyclist, Levi Leipheimer with the overall race leader jersey.

Last, but certainly not least, Georger Hincapie, Breakaway from Cancer spokesperson and cyclist for Team High Road, won the most aggressive cyclist award for Stage 3.

Tomorrow, Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California will travel from Monterey to San Luis Obispo. Be sure to check back for more photos and race updates!

Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Tour Complete!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:28:00 +0000

It's been an exciting few days since the Amgen Tour of California began on Sunday. Professional cyclists traveled from Sausalito to Santa Rosa yesterday to complete Stage 1, and Team CSC's Jaun Jose "J.J." Haedo biked away as the winner. TWC met with thousands of people from the Santa Rosa community, who came to our booth to learn about our free cancer support services.

TWC's Natalie Haskins and Messellech Abebe

The Tour continued today with Stage 2, which went from Santa Rosa to Sacramento. Although the weather was cold and rainy, 35,000 people still came out to support the sport of cycling and to check out the Lifestyles Festival and TWC booth. In addition to meeting a lot of great folks from the Sacramento area, TWC also participated in a stage presentation where we were honored with a generous $50,000 check from Union Bank of California!

Scott Hagel, Market President of Union Bank presents the check to Natalie Haskins of TWC

Just a few minutes later, Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar walked onto the stage to introduce and congratulate Stage 2 winner, Tom Boonen from team Quick Step.

Governor Schwarzenneger and Tom Boonen

Tomorrow, Stage 3 will travel from Modesto to San Jose, so be sure to check back for more race updates soon!

The Amgen Tour of California Kicks Off in Palo Alto!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:47:00 +0000

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California began today with the Prologue in Palo Alto. TWC-San Francisco/East Bay participant, Andy Leven, had the honor of firing the start gun to officially kick off the 3rd annual professional cycling race that travels all the way down the California cost!

Andy Leven fires the starting gun in Palo Alto

Andy Leven and Natalie Haskins, TWC Public Education & Awareness Manager

Tens of thousands of people came out to see the Prologue and enjoy the Lifestyles Festival, where TWC and NCCS had the opportunity to meet people from the Palo Alto community and hand out materials about cancer education and support. Fabian Cancellara from team CSC captured the very first leader jersey by winning today's Prologue, and he will lead the cycling pack as teams begin Stage 1 of the race tomorrow and travel from Sausalit0 to Santa Rosa. Stay tuned for more updates from the road!

Back in Action!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Greetings all! After a wonderful 2007 - our 25th anniversary year - we have started 2008 off with a bang. We are in the process of preparing for a 2.0 launch of The Virtual Wellness Community - our online community for all people affected by cancer. We are excited to welcome a new Senior Director of The Virtual Wellness Community, Bill Shaffer. Also new to the team overseeing Education and Outreach is Ivy Ahmed - welcome!

In addition to exciting changes to The Virtual Wellnes Community, we have begun the development process to build The Wellness Community's National Cancer Survivorship Research and Training Institute, to be housed in Philadelphia. This Institute will be the first ever community-based survivorship center in the Unites States. We hope you will all come and visit when we launch the Institute in 2009.

And finally, we are gearing up again (no pun intended!) for the Amgen Tour of California, and the public awareness and fundraising arm of this amazing cycling event, Breakaway From Cancer. You will be hearing from us throughout the week starting February 17 as we follow the Tour from the north of California to the south and talk to folks affected by cancer throughout the state. Check out www.breakawayfromcancer.com to learn more about this amazing event.

That's all for now. We hope to hear to from you as we blog from the Tour!

Preparing for our 25th anniversary celebration in DC

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:52:00 +0000

We are in full swing in our office getting ready for our big 25th anniversary celebration in DC in November! We will launch things on November 1 and 2 with our TWC National Leadership Conference. We have a great schedule planned for our TWC leadership including wonderful speakers and time to share challenges, opportunities and best practices. On Friday night, we will host our first-ever "Anti-Gala" Gala featuring fab roots rock band, "Last Train Home." Thank you to my dear friend Eric Brace and the guys for helping us kick off the weekend! On Saturday, November 3, we will host a national cancer summit featuring some amazing speakers including Laura Landro from the NY Times and award-winning author, Alice Hoffman. Both are cancer survivors and will share their own personal stories.

Thank you to everyone who is contributing to make the weekend a success - including our generous supporters and sponsors. We look forward to a great time!

TWC a Sponsor of the Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:53:00 +0000

The Wellness Community (TWC) is pleased to announce that we will be joining the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), along with several other cancer support organizations, to be a sponsor of the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum on August 27 and 28 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum will feature Democratic and Republican presidential candidates who will each have an opportunity to discuss his or her views and prospective policy plans for fighting cancer. The discussion will be followed by a 10 minute dialogue with co-moderators, Lance Armstrong and Chris Matthews of MSNBC Hardball.
Members of the public will also have an opportunity to speak directly to the candidates by submitting email or video questions at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19962784/. This new format of question and answer will allow Americans from across the country to voice their concerns about how the United States will face the issue of cancer in the coming months and years.
The two events will be televised live on MSNBC from 10 a.m. - noon CDT on Monday, August 27 for the Democratic forum and 10 a.m. - noon CDT on Tuesday, August 28 for the Republican forum. To date, the following Democratic candidates have confirmed their attendance: Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Bill Richardson; and the following Republicans have confirmed their attendance: Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee. Tickets are free and can be secured by visiting www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong.
The Wellness Community is a proud sponsor of the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum, and would like to thank the Lance Armstrong Foundation for the opportunity to support this historic event. Please tune in and look for our representatives in Iowa!

TWC Launches Star Campaign with Diahann Carroll!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:07:00 +0000

Today The Wellness Community launched our new Star Campaign with legendary actress and singer Diahann Carroll. The Campaign is designed to honor cancer caregivers - the family members, friends, health care professionals and others - who provide support and care to those with cancer.

On our new starcampaign.org website, visitors can honor their Star, visit the Star Walk of Fame and purchase a Star pin to support The Wellness Community.

We are so grateful to Ms. Carroll for joining us as the spokesperson for this Campaign and for being part of a wonderful launch today in New York City! Please visit starcampaign.org to learn more about this great effort and honor the Stars in your cancer journey!

Diahann Carroll, Tina Carver and Harriet Berman, Program Director of TWC-Greater Boston

TWC Kicks Off 25th Anniversary Celebration in Pasadena!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 22 May 2007 02:48:00 +0000

On Sunday, May 20, we launched our 25th anniversary year in Pasadena, California! At the glorious Tournament of Roses House, we honored the founders of all five of our Southern California Wellness Communities. Harriet, Ann and Lauren Benjamin presented awards to the founders, followed by a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday to The Wellness Community!" sung by the more than 300 participants, staff, board and friends in attendance. What a wonderful way to kick off what promises to be a fantastic year of events and programs to celebrate 25 years of service for people affected by cancer! Thank you to all who joined us to share in the celebration.

The Tournament of Roses House

Ann, Harriet and Lauren Benjamin

Awards for the Southern California TWC founders

Celebrating TWCs birthday with a song and cake!

Family & friends of TWC enjoy the perfect weather during the program

TWC Launches New Book in Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:13:00 +0000

On May 17, 2007, we launched our newly published book, The Total Cancer Wellness Guide, at Dutton's bookstore in Brentwood. We had a great turnout of Wellness friends and family to celebrate this book, which provides a roadmap to the cancer experience for all people affected by cancer. Published by BenBella Books, the book will officially release on June 1. During the evening's celebration, I had a chance to speak about the book and about The Wellness Community. Harriet Benjamin reflected on our tremendous growth over the past 25 years and Mitch Golant talked about our rich history in Southern California. Thank you to all that attended to make this event a great success.

Kim Thiboldeaux and Harriet Benjamin, wife of TWC founder, Dr. Harold Benjamin

Mitch Golant, PhD, Vice President of Research & Development, TWC - National

Kim with friends of TWC from AEG

Shalom from Tel Aviv

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:15:00 +0000

Mitch and I are spending the week here in Tel Aviv visiting with The Wellness Community, our TWC colleagues, patients, caregivers, health care professionals and government officials. After 7 years, our TWC here is thriving. We have spent time with our wonderful, devoted colleagues Margalit, Hassia, Riva, Dafna and many other wonderful TWC facilitators and friends.

On Monday night, we went to the "Wellness Cafe" where 80 patients and caregivers gathered to hear two young cancer survivors talk about how they met in group and traveled to Africa together. They showed slides from their trip and talked about how cancer has given them a new "lens" through which to view life.

Today we went to the Tel Aviv Medical Center and spent time with a Palestinian man from Gaza whose daughter is being treated at the center for cancer. They came to Israel through a special humanitarian program run by the hospital. He and the social workers from the hospital talked about their shared desire for peace and their hope that the amazing one-on-one exchanges that are happening in the hospital through this program might set an important example for what is possible.

Tomorrow we head to Jerusalem to meet with colleagues at the Sharei Tzedek Medical Center.

The Wellness Community Partners with Revolution Health

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:18:00 +0000

Wanna start a revolution?? That is what Steve Case and his power house board (including Colin Powell) are doing over at Revolution Health Group (RHG). The exciting news? They have approached The Wellness Community to be one of their partners in the cancer space. What are they looking to do? "Revolution Health seeks to create a health company where patients are put at the center of the health system, with more choices, more convenience, and more control over their health care." I would say that their mission is very consistent with The Wellness Community's Patient Active Concept. RHG is working to accomplish their goal by focusing on three areas: Content, Coverage, and Care. We are very excited that there will be a mini Wellness Community site within the Revolution site, letting people know about all of our great community resources. Take a look at RHG for yourself by visiting www.revolution.com Thank you to RHG for this terrific partnership!

Race Finish in Long Beach!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:06:00 +0000

What an exciting finish in Long Beach after this incredibly scenic 77.5 mile circuit race. The action was fast and furious with lots of great energy from the thousands of fans. With views of the Pacific, the racers tore around this course and lit up Long Beach - and Levi Leipheimer reigned victorious!

We had a great time with our friends from TWC-WLA and Redondo Beach and were so pleased to have Harriet Benjamin join us on stage to celebrate the end of the race and the success of the Breakaway From Cancer campaign!

The Wellness Community staff at the Lifestyle Festival

Ellen Silver, Patrick Dempsey and Harriet Benjamin

Judith Opdahl and Patrick

Patrick, Kim and George Hincapie

Patrick at the Finish Line with Cynthia Shwalm from Amgen, Kim, Harriet, and Michael Bergin from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

(L-R) Third place winner, Jason McCartney; first place winner, Levi Leipheimer; and second place winner, Jens Voight

Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 05:45:00 +0000

This 105.4 mile route today included heavy climbs and sprints in Ojai and in Santa Paula among fragrant orange groves. The final climb was at the incomparable Balcom Canyon. JJ Haedo won the stage today and, amazing Levi held onto the yellow jersey!

Thanks to all of our friends from Valley Ventura for partnering with National to staff the booth and reach out to the residents of Santa Clarita!!

(L-R) George Hincapie, Thor Hushovd, Ivan Basso and Levi Leipheimer

Solvang Individual Time Trial

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 05:56:00 +0000

Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California consisted of an exciting 14.5 mile individual time trial in Solvang with the start and finish just 2 blocks apart. The route featured some great highlights of Central California and wound through quaint towns, local vineyards and sprawling farms.

Levi Leipheimer held onto the yellow jersey and retains the overall race lead. It was an exciting finish by Levi, followed by a check presentation to TWC from Pedal Fest - a fantastic fundraider organized by Amgen, AEG and Union Bank.

Levi digging deep to win the Time Trial

Our booth was busy again today as Mitch, Shannon and Suzanne greeted residents of Solvang and surrounding communities and talked about TWC. Another banner day at the Amgen Tour of California!

Mitch and Suzanne at the Lifestyle Festival

Seaside to San Luis Obispo

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 06:14:00 +0000

Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California started out this morning with pounding rain in Seaside as our very own Jim Bouquin shot the starting gun!

Jim firing the starting gun

As teams crossed the start line and began racing 132.6 miles down to San Luis Obispo, they eventually pedaled their way out of the rain into brilliant sunshine. While it was also cloudy and raining in San Luis Obispo, the sun followed the cyclists all the way from Big Sur to San Simeon and eventually greeted the crowds at the Lifestyle Festival in downtown SLO. Festival attendees lined the streets and welcomed Paolo Bettini, as he crossed the finish line, victorious! And Levi held onto the yellow leader jersey - a distinction he has held since Stage 1 of the race!

The Finish Line in SLO

We also got to visit today with Wellness Community friends Robin O'Leary and Justin Baldwin as Robin and her family and friends rode in the Breakawy Mile and Justin presented the leader jersey to Levi. Thank you Robin and Justin for being with us today!

The O'Leary's with Kim

Justin Baldwin presenting the leader jersey to Levi Leipheimer

Stay tuned for more exciting news as the Tour continues with a Time Trial in Solvang tomorrow!

Stockton to San Jose

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 06:31:00 +0000

Today's stage of the Amgen Tour of California began in Stockton with enthusiastic crowds cheering the cycling teams on to a great start. It was a beautiful day as teams made their way down the Pacific cost, riding 94.6 miles to the finish line in San Jose. Levi Leipheimer won today's stage and held onto the yellow leader jersey. He was met by tens of thousands of cheering fans at the Finish in San Jose. It was another terrific day in California!

Enthusiastic School Children at the Start Line in Stockton

Santa Rosa to Sacramento

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:03:00 +0000

The Amgen Tour of California made its way from Santa Rosa today to the beautiful capitol city of Sacramento. The riders wound through Sonoma County and Napa facing some significant climbs on this amazingly scenic 115.8 mile route.

Team CSC's JJ Haedo won the stage today, while Levi Leipheimer held onto the yellow jersey for the third day in a row!

Amgen organized another fantastic Breakaway Mile today featuring two cancer survivors and their amazing support teams. Our friend Dina Howard, a breast cancer survivor from Sacramento, rode the mile with her husband and close friends, while her two adorable kids, Noah and Maya, cheered mom on from the sidelines.

In addition, one of our participants from our Wellness Community in Walnut Creek, Laurie Frank, had a chance to ride in the race motorcade and experience an exciting up close view of the race. Laurie told us riding in the motorcade was like a crash course in cycling (no pun intended!). She's an expert now!!

Tune in tomorrow as we travel from Stockton to San Jose

Levi on the Hwy 128 Climb

Sausalito to Santa Rosa

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:02:00 +0000

It was an exciting race day today as the cyclists wound their way 97.2 miles from Sausalito to a packed finish in Santa Rosa. Unfortunately, we witnessed a pretty bad crash near the finish line which put one contender out of the competition, but Levi held onto the yellow jersey for the second day in row.

Perhaps more exciting for The Wellness Community was the launch of the Breakaway Mile. During this mile-long stretch down the actual race course finish line, cancer survivors, their loved ones, doctors, nurses, scientists from Amgen and other supporters biked as a team to demonstrate that it takes a team to fight cancer and that no one has to face cancer alone.

Take a look at these great photos of the day taken by my friend Andy Tao.

The Peleton enters the Santa Rosa Finishing Straight

Jane Luper, Kim Thiboldeaux and Mary Klem

Participants from the Breakaway Mile with George Morrow of Amgen

The Amgen Tour of California launches TODAY in San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:47:00 +0000

It was a beautiful sunny day today in San Francisco for the launch of the Amgen Tour of California! The race consisted of individual time trials through the hilly streets of this city by the bay. Levi Leipheimer of the Discovery Team won today's trial with a time of 4:49:050 - an exciting finish and a great start to this week long-event.

The Wellness Community-National and our center in Walnut Creek teamed up to host a great booth for the thousands of visitors to the race. We handed out literature and lots of treats and had the chance to talk to many cancer survivors from the SF area and from around the country.

TWC booth at Lifestyle Event

We also had a chance to visit with Patrick Dempsey today and talk about the Breakaway From Cancer campaign. Please visit http://www.breakawayfromcancer.com/ to learn more about this exciting initiative and take a look at our great photos with Patrick. We are incredibly grateful to Patrick for his generous support of the Breakaway campaign and his strong commitment to the mission of The Wellness Community.

Kim, Patrick and Stacia

Michelle and Patrick

Vicki, Patrick, and Megan

Patrick and Ali

At the race finish today, TWC was honored to receive a $50,000 check from Union Bank to support our outreach to cancer patients in the state of California - thank you Union Bank!

$50,000 check from Union Bank

And finally, we ended the evening with legendary American cyclist, Greg LeMond and famed announcer, Phil Liggett at a fantastic event at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason featuring a documentary of Greg's 1989 Tour de France victory with live commentary from Greg and Phil. The proceeds from all of the evening's ticket sales are benefiting TWC and NCCS. Thank you to Greg and Phil for a memorable and lively evening!

The Amgen Tour of California launches on Sunday, February 18!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Thiboldeaux) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:03:00 +0000

Welcome to The Total Cancer Wellness Blog - a new Wellness Community blog designed to provide you with regular updates, commentary and opinions on our own activities and on developments in the cancer and health care worlds. Today at The Wellness Community we are gearing up for the launch of The Amgen Tour of California on Sunday, February 18 in San Francisco. The Tour, a professional cycling race, will travel through 12 host cities in California before concluding in Long Beach on Sunday, February 25, 2007. We are excited to be teaming up with all of our Wellness Communties in California and with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship as we travel down the state.

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments for the 2007 Breakaway from Cancer initiative is the addition of campaign spokesperson and Grey's Anatomy star, Patrick Dempsey (Dr. McDreamy!), who is helping to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients and their caregivers. The Breakaway initiative, sponsored by Amgen, will generously benefit all 21 of our of our Wellness Communities across the US, and our five centers in development. Come back and visit our blog soon - we will be posting updates from the road in California starting Sunday, February 18!