Read Team DUKE news or visit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation website to see the complete list of all JWCF news. Read Team DUKE news from 2006 and 2005.

2007 News

Spirit of the West Riders

Here they come with sixguns a'blazin'! In the Wild West tradition of the Duke, these Spirit of the West Riders will be horsebacking down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena's Tournament of Roses Parade for the 17th year, and for the 10th time, on behalf of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. From left to right these rough riders are Dwayne Towns, Jim Nichols, Larry Brady, Unit Marshal Phil Spangenberger, Brent Hudspeth and riding sidesaddle is Linda Spangenberger.

Thank You Cleber Jiu-Jitsu - Winter 2007

Thank you Cleber Luciano for helping Team DUKE bring awareness to the fight against cancer. For more info. on Cleber Jiu-Jitsu click here.

Thank You Women's Kiteboarding Association- Fall and Winter 2007

Thank you for promoting the using sunscreen and other best practices to help prevent skin cancer. The Women's Kiteboarding Association (WKA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the progression and promotion of women of all ages and abilities in the sport of kiteboarding, as well as the establishment and preservation of free access to a clean shoreline and ocean environments.

SB Fitness Magazine Article Featuring Team DUKE Athletes Holly and Brian Bosse, CA - December 2007 Issue

Pick up an issue of SB Fitness and read how Holly and Brian finished Ironman AZ together to support JWCF! Also look for the Team DUKE ad.! Click here to download the SB Fitness Magazine Article.

TRISWIM - Winter 2007

JWCF would like to thank TRISWIM for working with JWCF to educate swimmers and triathletes regarding skin cancer prevention and encouraging people to join Team DUKE to help win the fight against cancer. Tri Swim's products are formulated to gently remove chlorine and chlorine odors while cleansing and moisturizing.

Yankz! - Winter 2007

JWCF would like to thank Yankz! for donating shoelaces to Team DUKE! Many athletes prefer these laces because they are easy to tighten so they are great for triathlon and other sports.

The Anaheim Arsenal, an NBA Development League Team, Supports JWCF - Opening Night- Nov. 24, 2007

JWCF would like to thank the Anaheim Arsenal Basketball Team for providing half price tickets, a booth space, and a basketball signed by all of the players to JWCF. The ball will be donated to a child cancer patient at Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Louie and The Duke Classics - 2nd Annual Event to Benefit Cancer Research - November 2007

The 2nd Annual Louie and The Duke Classics will be held on November 8 through 11 in Casa Grande, Arizona. Once again, Grande Living Magazine will host a golf tournament, dinner, auction, World Series of Team Roping Qualifier and a pit barbeque. New this year is a steak fry and Western dance complete with live entertainment.

At the first annual event held in October of 2006, the golf tournament was sold out, the dinner and auction were a huge hit and there were over 1,200 team ropers competing to qualify for the World Series of Team Roping event all to help fight the fight against cancer and to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Team DUKE Runs the New York City Marathon - November 2007

Chuck Cook Memorial Team Roping Event, CA - October 2007

photo by Paul Ivanushka Photography

JWCF would like to thank Noel Cook for hosting the first annual Chuck Cook Memorial Team Roping event benefiting JWCF. This event was managed by Noel Cook and was held in memory of his father Chuck Cook who passed away from cancer. Thank you to everyone who was involved and we are looking forward to 2008!

Road Runner Sports Fun Runs - Costa Mesa, CA

Every Saturday	Weekly Store Run - Don't have time for your long Saturday run? Run with the Costa Mesa staff for 30 minutes and log about 6 miles roundtrip. We'll start from the store and continue all the way down Broadway Street, turn onto Dover, and then run around the back of the Castaways area. All paces welcome. Start time is 8:30 am.
Every Wednesday	Weekly Store Run - Join us for a 45 minute, 2.4 mile run from the store! We'll head all the way down Broadway Street (in front of Triangle Square) down to Irvine Blvd. All paces welcome. Start time is 6:30 pm.

Road Runner Sports
Costa Mesa Courtyards
1835 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-515-9540

Best Kiteboarding Supports Team DUKE

JWCF would like to thank Best Kiteboarding for their support.

24 Hours of Adrenaline Mountain Bike Race, Idyllwild, CA - September 22, 2007

Congratulations to Team DUKE on winning this relay mountain bike race again, this time in the four person category!

Congratulations Brian MacKenzie on Completing the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run - September 2007

Brian MacKenzie, the owner of Genetic Potential gym and Team DUKE Member, completed the AC 100! The AC 100 starts at 5AM in Wrightwood, CA and works its way through the Angeles National Forest until it reaches Pasadena some 100 miles of trail later. Click here for more info.

"The support people gave us for this event was incredible and I felt it the whole way through. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for it. Thank you to everyone. Especially my crew and pacers, Melissa, Kevin, and Carl! And a special thank you to Dr. Nicolas Romanov, for the patience of waiting for me to believe this would work!" -- Brian MacKenzie

Hood to Coast Relay, Oregon - August 25, 2007

Congratulations to The Nature Girls team for winning their 2nd consecutive Hood to Coast Relay in support of Team DUKE! As the largest running relay race in the world, the Hood To Coast Relay stretches 197 miles from the top of Oregon's majestic Mt. Hood down to the beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches in Seaside, Oregon. Over 12,000 runners and 4,800 walkers in The Portland To Coast, share in the experience of this annual event now in its 27th year!

Aloha Beach Festival, Ventura, CA - September 15 and 16, 2007

The Aloha Festival is designed to share in the spirit of Aloha. Thousands of people visited C-Street to experience the following activities:

• C-St Long Board Classic
• World Beach Frisbee® Freestyle Disc Championships
• The K9 World Beach Championships
• Classic Paddle Board Challenge
• Outrigger Canoe Race
• Live music entertainment and hula dancers
• Food vendors and an art show

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation would like to thank Old Guys Rule for their support. Team DUKE surfers participated in the event to bring attention to the fight against cancer. Surfing instructor Eric Luna was tough to beat and Kyle Johnson road his mountain bike from Santa Monica to Ventura and then competed in the surfing event in honor of his friend who is battling colon cancer.

Disneyland Half Marathon - September 2007

Congratulations Keith Munemitsu on Completing the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race- August 2007

The 32nd annual Catalina Classic paddleboard race starts on Catalina Island and ends 32 miles away at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Riding paddleboards between lengths of 12 and 18 feet, these watermen use only their arms to propel themselves across one of the busiest and deepest channels in North America. Race organizer and current Catalina Classic Champion, Kyle Daniels, is thrilled about the growing interest in the Catalina Classic, “The number of participants and request to be part of the race has been overwhelming but exciting. The sport of paddleboard racing is a unique and challenging sport that has some incredible history as a key component of the modern surf culture as we know it.”

Keith completed this race for the 9th consecutive year in just over 8 hours in memory of his best friend Suzanne Leider. Keith met Suzanne on the first day of high school at Newport Harbor High School. Suzanne passed away from sarcoma cancer in 2002. Every year Keith paddles the Catalina Classic he has this quote from Suzanne printed on his sleeve, "Through sharing our experiences of living with cancer, we can learn from one another. Through sharing we heal." Please continue to fight for what is in your heart and trust that all of us on Team DUKE will do the same. We’ll see you in the water! -- Keith Munemitsu

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer Supports JWCF - August 2007

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer is thrilled to announce the Kiteboarding 4 Cancer (KB4C) Kite Derby for the kiteboarding community and those in great need of a cure for cancer. KB4C is a unique on-the-water fundraiser where participants raise pledge money, then kiteboard a set course on the Columbia River for distance to raise money for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and other cancer organizations. KB4C will take place on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007 in beautiful Hood River, Oregon, outdoor playground paradise to kiteboarders, windsurfers, kayakers, mountain bikers, hikers, skiers, and more. Set on the Columbia River, kiteboarders ride for prizes in kiteboarding and fundraising : Most money raised, longest distance kiteboarded, and best freestyle expression.

Interested participants and donors can fundraise for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation at: http://www.active.com/donate/kb4c-JWCF. For complete event information, go to www.kb4c.org.

Additional photos of Kiteboarding 4 Cancer Kite Derby courtesy of Richard Hallman.

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6, Photo 7

JWCF Supports EX2 - The Extremity Games by College Park - Florida July 19-21, 2007

The O&P Extremity Games is an extreme amateur sporting competition for individuals living with limb loss or limb difference. The O&P Extremity Games allows participants to demonstrate skill, persistence and passion while competing for cash and other prizes - proving There's No Replacement for the Competitive Spirit. Many of these athletes have been affected by cancer. JWCF supported the event by donating sunscreen, caps, and t-shirts as prizes.

"The Extremity Games gives people hope because they can finally be recognized, noticed and appreciated. It gives people something to look forward to every year." Oscar Loreto, O&P Extremity Games Athlete

“Doubling the number of competitions and athletes along with growing international interest confirms our vision - individuals living with limb loss or limb difference want an extreme sports venue in which they can compete against their peers. The athletes’ talent and abilities were awesome. No defeat, no surrender - they blew us away. I’d like to thank everyone, the athletes, sponsors, volunteers and spectators, who helped to make eX2 a huge success.”

Eric Robinson

President, College Park Industries

President, Extremity Events Network

Photos from the event:

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4

JWCF Supports the Miles For Melanoma 5K- Summer 2007

This 5K run in Fullerton California raised over $18,000 for the Melanoma Research Foundation. Skin cancer screenings were conducted at the event and three skin cancers were identified. JWCF donated sunscreen to the runners to help prevent skin cancer. Thank you Full Spectrum Dermatology for putting on a great event and raising awareness about skin cancer.

NAC Sun Awareness Program Summer 2007

The Newport Aquatic Center (NAC) is Orange County's premier community based center dedicated to the development of the Olympic sports of rowing, canoeing and kayaking. The NAC provides skin cancer early detection and prevention information to all kids who attend the 2007 rowing and paddling summer camps. Spot a Spot, Save a Life volunteers from the University of California Irvine trained the NAC camp coaches regarding sun awareness and the coaches provide the info. to the kids. The kids remind each other to wear sunscreen and hats.

This new program was facilitated by the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF). It took support from Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Spot a Spot volunteers from University of Southern California Irvine, Himaya Sunscreen, Paul Frank and NAC to make this program a huge success. JWCF would like to thank all these partners for helping the next generation of paddlers and rowers stay healthy. Paul Frank donated goody bags packed with beach towels, wallets, flip flops and other accessories to the MVPs of each class and JWCF donated caps and sunscreen to the kids.

Greer's OC Supports Team DUKE

JWCF would like to thank Greer's OC for spreading the word about Team DUKE. Greer's OC is a website and free daily e-mail service (called "A Daily Dose of OC") for Orange County that provides tips on hot new retail stores, great bargains (available only to free subscribers to "A Daily Dose of OC"), undiscovered dining spots and the latest products and services. It takes about one minute to sign up.

San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon - June 2007

JWCF had a great time signing people up for Team DUKE and providing complimentary sunscreen to racers. Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3

Rudy Project Supports Team DUKE

JWCF would like to thank Rudy Project for supporting Team DUKE. All Team DUKE Members receive a 40% discount on Rudy Project sunglasses online. Team DUKE Members can take advantage of the discount by logging in to the Team DUKE website. Team DUKE Members who raise $500 or more through their Team DUKE webpage before the end of 2007 will receive a Rudy Project cap or visor (while supplies last).

Rudy Project designs and manufactures hi-tech sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories using the application of science, advanced materials and computer technology to create functional, aesthetically superior and technologically advanced products. Click here to visit the Rudy Project website.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Donates $118,000 to Children's Hospital of Orange County for National Melanoma Awareness Project

JWCF’s Donation will Fund the National Melanoma Awareness Project, "Spot a Spot, Save a Life!"

NEWPORT BEACH, California May 8, 2007. The recent $118,000 donation from the John Wayne Cancer Foundation will allow the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Cancer Institute to partner with the National Melanoma Awareness Project created by two UC Irvine medical students in 2003. Under the leadership of Dr. Leonard Sender, medical director of the CHOC Cancer Institute, a full-time community health program manager will focus on expanding the program and increasing education and prevention efforts in the fight against skin cancer, which kills one person every hour in the nation. Read more here

John Wayne Cancer Institute Receives Million-Dollar Gift In Honor of John Wayne’s Centennial

Donation to Benefit the Institute’s Fellowship Program

SANTA MONICA, CA - April 20, 2007. In honor of their father John Wayne’s 100th birthday, Patrick and Ethan Wayne announced a gift of $1,000,000 at the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary’s annual Odyssey Ball, which took place on Saturday, April 14th. These funds, from the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF), will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute’s internationally-known fellowship program. Patrick, Ethan, and the Wayne extended family presented a check to Lou Lazatin, CEO of the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Saint John’s Health Center.

“We are so grateful to be able honor our dad in this way. He would have been so proud to see what the John Wayne Cancer Institute has accomplished over the years. We chose to support the fellowship program in honor of our dear friend and colleague Joyce Green, who was honored this evening for the huge contribution she has made in leading this institute to become what it is today,” said Ethan Wayne. Read more here

TYR Supports Team DUKE

JWCF would like to thank TYR for providing swim caps to Team DUKE. Founded in 1985, TYR has passionately dedicated itself to redefining the next generation of performance and recreational swimwear and accessories, while continuing to be the model of leading edge innovation and style. Click here to visit the TYR website.

JWCF Supports the First Descents Montana Camp- June 24 to June 30, 2007

JWCF is pleased to support the First Descents Montana camp. During the weeklong First Descents experience, young adults living with cancer will be empowered through kayaking, team building and other sports/activities to push their limits and face the challenges associated with living with cancer. Emphasis is placed on daily goal setting, confidence workouts and teamwork exercises.

Cancer is the leading disease killer among 20 to 39-year olds. Currently, there is an estimated 500,000 young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 15 and 40 years old. In contrast to younger and older patients, the survival rates for young adults have not increased since 1975.

The mission of First Descents is to become the leader in innovative camps supporting young adults with cancer. Using kayaking, extreme sports and professional athletes, First Descents offers young adults with cancer outdoor experiences that will forever change their lives. When the camp participants return to their communities they can continue to inspire others as Team DUKE Members.

The following story describes how First Descents changed Anthony Bechelli's life:

"I would like to thank everyone at First Descents for everything that you have done for Anthony and for us. We sent you a young man who was somewhat confused and unsure of himself. You sent us back a young man who was smiling, happy and ready to take on the world. To say he had a good time is an understatement. It is organizations like First Descents that shine a light for kids like Anthony who are traveling through a very dark time in their life."

Bob and Rita Bechelli
West Frankfort, IL
Parents of Anthony Bechelli, 2005 camper

Triathlon Bags - Spring 2007

JWCF would like to thank Triathlon Bags for including JWCF sunscreen in their backpacks sold at retail.

Easton- Spring 2007

Thank you to Easton for donating $10,000 to JWCF! Easton is considered one of the world's preeminent innovators, designers, and manufacturers of sporting equipment.

Sign up for Ralphs Community Contribution Program to Support JWCF

Help the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) when you shop at Ralphs. It is easy, just go to www.ralphs.com and click on "Community Contribution" and "Participant - Sign Up" and follow the instructions to sign up. Ralphs will pay JWCF between 1 and 4 % of the monthly qualifying purchases per household. For more info. contact Ralphs at (888) 437-3496.

Triathlon Lab Supports Team DUKE

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation would like to thank the Triathlon Lab in Redondo Beach, CA for donating Rocket Science Sports Backpacks to Team DUKE Members.

Schwinn Supports Team DUKE

JWCF would like to thank Schwinn Bicycles for donating 1 Peloton and 4 LeTour road bicycles. These bicycles will be be given away as prizes to Team DUKE's top 5 fundraisers in 2007. Click here for contest details.

JWCF Featured in "Future This," a New Kitesurfing Video from ACL Productions

Check out the latest kitesurfing release from ACL Productions entitled "Future This.". Filmed on location in Tahiti, Mauritius, Indo, Hawaii, Australia, Chile and Peru. It showcases all the top names going ballistic in the waves! Coming soon, check out the trailer! JWCF and ACL Productions support a healthy lifestyle and bringing sun protection awareness to water sports. To see additional videos go to www.aclproductions.com.

Thank You For Supporting Team DUKE

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation would like to thank all Team DUKE athletes and their friends, family, and co-workers, for their support. Special thanks to our top fundraisers to date: Ryan Heuser, Bruno Maier, John Oswald, Laura Munoz-Bottini, Lisa Lombard and Brian Bosse.

OC Marathon, California - January 7, 2007

Team DUKE had a great time at the OC Marathon! Thank you to all the Team DUKE athletes and their friends, families, and co-workers who supported the Team. Special thanks to Ryan Heuser, the top Team DUKE fundraiser for this inspiring event. JWCF donated Himaya sunscreen to 3,500 OC Marathon runners to help prevent skin cancer.

Pictures from the event: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6, Photo 7, Photo 8, Photo 9, Photo 10, Photo 11, Photo 12, Photo 13.