Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach's Tour of Long Beach Vital to Increasing Survival Rates for Pediatric Cancer Patients

LONG BEACH, Calif., March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. The specific causes of most childhood cancers are still unknown and cannot be prevented, which is why funding the clinical research programs at the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach is vital to increasing survival rates for pediatric cancer patients. The Miller Children's Tour of Long Beach joins the fight against childhood cancer by giving 100% of proceeds from the charity ride to clinical research programs at JJCCC.

"We are committed to making childhood cancer a curable disease across all diagnosis," says Jacqueline Casillas, M.D., M.S.H.S, medical director, JJCCC, Miller Children's. "Efforts in research enhance the quality of life for children affected by childhood cancer. Future generations will benefit from the strides in research we are able to make because of support from charity events like the Tour of Long Beach."

The clinical research program supports JJCCC's efforts to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and even find a cure for childhood cancer. Miller Children's is a member of COG — an international, cooperative childhood cancer research network that focuses on identifying cancer causes and pioneering new treatments and cures at children's hospitals. Participation in COG advances research and allows JJCCC at Miller Children's to offer the latest and most effective treatments to young patients.

Bicycle advocate, the late Mark Bixby, co-founded the Miller Children's Tour of Long Beach in partnership with Miller Children's in 2010. Since then, proceeds from the Miller Children's Tour of Long Beach have supported the discovery of new treatments for childhood cancer patients at JJCCC. 

"When we lost Mark in 2011, I made it my mission to grow the Miller Children's Tour of Long Beach to encourage people to ride and help families affected by childhood cancer," says Tony Cruz, former Olympian, professional cyclist and community ambassador. "Giving back to children and families in need will always be a part of Mark's legacy. The Tour of Long Beach grows each year and I have pride knowing our efforts help families battling childhood cancer."  

The Miller Children's Tour of Long Beach is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017 and starts at Shoreline Dr. and Linden Ave. in Long Beach. There are four routes, including: a 30-mile route that travels the bike paths and streets of Long Beach; a 62-mile route that leads to Newport Beach; a 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo loops through Long Beach then heads down the coast and ends in Laguna Beach; and a 5-mile Family Fun Ride.

"Each Tour of Long Beach participant should know that their ride, donation, sponsoring, and/or involvement supports JJCCC's efforts in pediatric cancer research and helps children fighting cancer," Tamra Kaplan, Chief Operating Officer, Miller Children's.

For information on how to register for The Tour of Long Beach or donate to JJCCC, please visit TourOfLongBeach.com.

About the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach:
The Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach has a dedicated unit of 24 private rooms in a home-like setting that provides comprehensive, family centered care to children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders. The Center is known for its comprehensive psychosocial programs and multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. JJCCC is one of the primary institutions that comprise the Children's Oncology Group (COG) – an international, cooperative childhood cancer research network. JJCCC patients have access to the latest clinical trials and research initiatives, which leads to improved cure rates and breakthroughs in treatments of childhood cancers and blood disorders. Visit MillerChildrens.org/Cancer, like us on Facebook.com/MillerChildrensHospital, follow us on Twitter @MillerChildrens and on Instagram @MillerChildrens.

About Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach:
Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach, part of the MemorialCare Health System, provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults, with conditions ranging from common to complex - as well as maternity care for expectant mothers - all under one roof. Only five percent of all hospitals are children's hospitals, making them unique not only to children's health care needs in the community, but across the region. Miller Children's is one of only eight free-standing children's hospitals in California - treating more than 14,000 children each year - and has become a regional pediatric destination for more than 84,000 children, who need specialized care in the outpatient specialty and satellite centers. Visit MillerChildrens.org, like us on Facebook.com/MillerChildrensHospital, follow us on Twitter @MillerChildrens and on Instagram @MillerChildrens.

SOURCE Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

Related Links

http://www.mchlb.org/