2011 was the 5th year for the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling—an event which has grown in popularity and is now one of America’s premier one-day professional cycling races.

This year marked the first year of the event’s partnership with Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer Initiative. Through Breakaway from Cancer, Amgen works with nonprofit partners to raise awareness of vital resources available to cancer patients. For 2011, the Pacific Meso Center, a medical research organization dedicated to finding cures for mesothelioma cancer, was chosen as one of the primary recipients of the event’s proceeds.

The event began with a fundraising gala and silent auction on Saturday evening, April 30 at the beautiful Dana Point Yacht Club. Attendance surpassed all expectations, as cancer survivors and concerned family members and friends came out in force to show their support for cancer research. Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and surgical oncologist Dr. Robert Cameron was in attendance and beamed with pride at his patients' passionate efforts to raise money for innovative treatments research.

Bidding on the auction items generously donated by local businesses and friends and family of cancer patients picked up pace as the evening went on, reaching a feverish pitch by the time the auction concluded. Although the final bids and donations are still being tallied, it appears that the gala raised over $20,000. As a gesture of appreciation for all of the mesothelioma patients who attended the event and contributed to its success, Roger Worthington, who served as emcee for the gala, personally donated an additional $25,000 to the Pacific Meso Center.

The main event took place the next day, Sunday May 1. The Grand Prix, which included races for America’s top professional men and women cyclists, as well as races for amateurs, masters and even community and children’s races, was blessed with crystal blue skies and temperatures in the high 70s. The racing was breathtaking, as fields of as many as 150 racers charged around the 6 corner downtown course. We are proud to report that our own Roger Worthington and his Breakaway from Cancer teammates managed to sweep the podium in the Masters 50+ race.

A highlight of the day was the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Walk, during which the bike racers cleared the way for the cancer survivors and family and friends to take to the course to walk together in solidarity and support for each other and to raise awareness for the need for research into cures for the dreaded disease

On the podium after the Cancer Walk, Clare Cameron (Pacific Meso Center), Holly Cordova and Tyler Cordova (Tyler was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which is in remission), Dana Point Mayor Scott Schoeffel and Nurse Practitioner Anne Rorie

The Worthington Firm wishes to thank Amgen, the City of Dana Point and the Pacific Meso Center for putting on such a wonderful event. We would also like to acknowledge our many clients who came out and participated and contributed so much to making the weekend a success: Noella Belvedere, Nasseem and Sanna Farag, Rosemarie Ganoe, Sandy Hazen, Jacob and Norma Jager, Irene Lange, Terry and Maryla Latham, Geno Stirone, David and Tracey Theobold and Bob Vitale.

Looking forward to seeing you all next year for the 6th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling!!