>> Wendy Dixon
>> Tamar Howson
>> Dave Wilson

Wendy Dixon (left) and Tamar Howson(right)

Wendy Dixon

Bristol-Myers Squibb employee Wendy Dixon became motivated to participate in the Tour of Hope DC Fundraising Recreational Ride after she helped welcome the 2004 Tour of Hope Team on its visit to the Bristol-Myers Squibb facilities. Wendy has several friends who have won and lost battles with this disease. As head of Global Marketing for Bristol-Myers Squibb, she has the responsibility for working closely with the Research and Development group to bring new cancer drugs to the market place and to the patients who need them. As a result, Wendy became motivated to get involved in the Tour of Hope to help spread the message of cancer research.

Through her participation in the Tour of Hope DC Ride, Wendy was able to experience firsthand the passion that people involved with the Tour of Hope have for cancer research and clinical trials. She hopes that her participation in the DC Ride will help raise awareness about the importance of cancer research.

Bristol-Myers Squibb’s commitment to cancer research has fueled Wendy’s personal commitment to educating others about this disease. She wants cancer patients to know that they should not give up hope because there are so many people working on behalf of patients to help find better treatments

Tamar Howson

Tamar Howson of Ardmore, PA turned an opportunity to spend more time with her husband and support the search for a cure for cancer into a highly successful fundraising campaign, becoming the second-highest fundraiser for the Tour of Hope DC Fundraising Recreational Ride. Tamar experienced the devastating effects of cancer after losing her mother to a brain tumor. In addition, her mother-in-law and father-in-law are both currently battling colon cancer.

As a top fundraiser, Tamar has achieved her goal of raising money for cancer research and her dedication to the Tour of Hope DC Ride illustrates her support for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s cancer research efforts. Tamar believes that raising awareness about cancer research is important because cancer patients and their family members should know what different types of treatment options are available.

Participating in the Tour of Hope DC Ride helped Tamar to appreciate the magnitude of the effort required to conquer cancer. In addition, it has helped her to realize the significance of her work with in-licensing therapies for Bristol-Myers Squibb. Tamar hopes that one day cancer will no longer be the death sentence it is today to some and become “just a disease” that can be cured.

Dave Wilson

Dave Wilson learned about the Tour of Hope from a close friend who has battled kidney, bladder and prostate cancer over the past four years. An avid cyclist, his friend has not let cancer stop him from traveling with Dave on cycling trips to France and an upcoming trip to New Zealand.

His friend’s fight against cancer combined with the stories of other friends, family and colleagues who have battled cancer, served as Dave’s inspiration to participate in the Tour of Hope DC Ride. Dave has always been impressed by their courage, attitude and resilience and he believes that their determination, spirit and courage serve as a beacon in the darkest days for other cancer patients.

Although Dave has been fortunate not to have battled the disease, he says, “Not a day goes by that my wife and I do not think of three very close friends who are battling the ravages of chemo and radiation and worry that the cancer may win.”

Dave recognizes the importance of research and clinical trials. He understands that although laboratory research provides the foundation in the discovery of new treatments, a clinical trial is the only way to bring progress out of the laboratory. By riding in the Tour of Hope DC Ride, Dave hoped to inform the public about the importance of clinical trials and rally support for the Tour of Hope mission.

The response to Dave’s fundraising campaign has been overwhelming. The incredible support that he has received for his participation in the Tour of Hope DC Ride has solidified Dave’s commitment to the Tour of Hope’s mission. He hopes to participate in future Tour of Hope events “not only for today's friends but for all of our grandchildren; that they may know of cancer as my son knows of polio: from a history book.”

Dave’s message of hope for patients currently batting cancer is to never give up. He believes that their determination and courage are what will inspire others to rise to the challenge to help find new treatments.