Cancer Support Community Gala

We recently attended the Cancer Support Community Gala and were excited to take part in such a special event! If you or anyone you know is going through cancer or supporting someone going through treatment please look into the Cancer Support Community. It sure helped us. http://www.twc-bayarea.org/

2011 Tour of California!

Yesterday we went to see the Amgen Tour of California stage 4 finish in San Jose. We were invited by Amgen and got to see the finish from their VIP tent. The finish line was at the end of a big climb for the riders. It was exciting and a great day!

Photo by our friend and professional cycling photographer Andy Tao. : )

Wellness Community Golf Tournament

Pat and Dan played in the annual Wellness Community golf tournament again this year. Pat helped with the planning and made an amazing speech at the event.

It was a huge success! Great work Pat!

Tour of California - Part 4 - San Francisco Start

The last and most exciting event we participated in as part of the Tour of California was the start in San Francisco at Ocean Beach. Pat got to tell his story and meet some of the riders as they signed in for the race. He also was given the most courageous jersey from Tom Rabou who earned the jersey the day before. About 15 minutes into being on stage Pat spotted his doctor in the crowd!!! Dr. Schmidt came down from UCSF to get a glimpse of the riders. He is a huge cycling fan so Pat had him come on stage and he got to meet some riders and be a part of the event too! They met some big names including Tom Boonen, Mark Cavendish, and Lance Armstong!! It was so neat! To finish the morning off Pat got to shoot the starting gun!

When we were leaving Pat said it was one of the best days of his life - besides Thad being born and us getting married - Ha! It really was a day to remember. Thanks Amgen, The Wellness Community and of course Dr. Schmidt who made this day possible.

The funny thing about the day was despite the VIP passes and meeting some of the most famous athletes in the world, the best part of the day was seeing Dr. Schmidt and having one last chat with him about Pat's health. Of all the people we would have wanted to share the day with it was Dr. Schmidt. We are so glad we shared this day with you, Brian! ; )

Tour of California - Part 3 - Stage 1 Finish in Sacramento

We got to see the finish of stage 1 of the Tour of California in Sacramento. The riders made three laps around the capital building before the finish and each time they rode by was more exciting than the last. Thad came with us and sported some dang good ear plugs - he slept through the noisy finish!! It was an exciting day and we enjoyed every second!

Tour of California - Part 2 - Team Presentation & Gala

Last Friday we attended the Tour of California Team Presentation and Gala as guests of Amgen. All the teams and riders in this year's tour were introduced. It was amazing to see all the athletes up close, we sat right near the stage - and man what crazy thigh muscles they have! Ha! The night was SO spectacular! Wow!

Team Saxo Bank

Pat and George Hincapie

Red Carpet

Lance!!!! and Team Radioshack

Stuart O'Grady

Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwin

Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium

Pat's Survivor Story

When Pat was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in August 2008 he went online in search of survivor stories to get some reassurance. As a cycling fan he found himself on the Tour of California Breakaway From Cancer website where many survivor stories were featured.
As a survivor and participant of some of the Tour of CA events this year, Pat is one of the featured survivors on the Breakaway website. Everything has come full circle. Pat now has the opportunity to share his story, offer hope to others that are newly diagnosed, and raise awareness about the emotional support offered at The Wellness Community.
Read his survivor story - click here. Check out the great photo of Pat and his favorite guy! : )

Tour of California - Part 1 - Breakaway Ride

Some of Pat's biggest fans.

Go Pat!

Big George!

A few weeks ago Pat participated in the Breakaway Ride in Santa Rosa. The Breakaway Ride allows amateur cyclists a chance to ride a segment of the Tour of California that the professionals ride and is a fundraiser for the Cancer Support Community. The breakaway ride in Santa Rosa was also ridden by professional American cyclist George Hincapie. Pat represented the Wellness Community and made his first public speech - he was great! Pat's mom was in town and it was great for her to be a part of this special day!

It is so important for us to give back to the organization that gave us so much support through our cancer journey and we are thrilled to be a part of such wonderful events!

More on the event - click here.

Pat in The Press Democrat newspaper - click here.