THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced the call for nominations for Breakaway from Cancer^®  Champions. For the last five years, Amgen has recognized outstanding individuals making a difference for cancer patients and their loved ones in communities across California through the Breakaway from Cancer initiative. Breakaway from Cancer is designed to raise awareness of the important resources that are available to those affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. Many of these resources can be found on www.breakawayfromcancer.com, where a powerful search tool customizes answers specific to an individual's needs.

"Breakaway from Cancer is a collaboration between Amgen and four nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing patients with the support network they need to beat cancer," said Bob Azelby, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. "Amgen's mission is to serve patients, and we are pleased to be able to use our sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California to recognize those men and women who are actively working to help others."

From Feb. 5 through Feb. 25, nominations will be accepted online to recognize a cancer survivor, patient, caregiver or advocate for those impacted by cancer. Four individuals – one from each of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California communities of Escondido, Santa Clarita, Santa Barbara and Livermore – will ultimately be selected as the Breakaway from Cancer Champions.

"When I first heard that I was selected by my community to be a Breakaway from Cancer Champion, it reminded me of what John F. Kennedy said when asked how he became a war hero. 'They sank my boat.' I didn't willingly choose to be diagnosed with cancer, but rather looked within myself to handle my diagnosis with dignity and grace," said Marilyn Luma, 2010 Breakaway from Cancer Champion for Santa Cruz, CA.  "Now, I aim to do something each year to help make a difference."  Luma is a 16-year breast cancer survivor who has dedicated herself to "fighting the fight" and encouraging others affected by cancer.

Breakaway from Cancer Champions will be granted special access to the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, award a jersey to a professional cyclist, be recognized on stage and lead the Breakaway Mile through their community. 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.

Learn more about becoming a Breakaway from Cancer Champion at www.breakawayfromcancer.com/champions or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/BreakawayfromCancer. Healthcare professionals and employees of Amgen, AEG, Medalist Sports, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation and National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship are not eligible.

The Breakaway from Cancer Champions will be selected via online public voting in April.  

About Breakaway from Cancer

Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. Breakaway from Cancer is a collaboration between Amgen and four nonprofit partner organizations: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.  These organizations offer a broad range of support services complementing those provided by a patient's team of healthcare professionals. For more information, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com or follow us @BreakawayCancer on Twitter and www.facebook.com/BreakawayfromCancer on Facebook.

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Leanne Madison Kahn, 805-447-1201 (media)
Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)

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SOURCE Amgen