Mike Sclimenti
El Monte, California

I am married, with no children, yet. (We are expecting twins in the Fall of 2004). I am a research chemist working in the area of drinking water quality issues for a major water wholesaler in Southern California. I have always had a passion for cycling, but not so serious to become a racer, but just for recreational purposes. I found that just to be out on an open road without the noise of traffic is a thrill for me (going fast too, helps). I really became more involved when Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999. This was the height of my discomfort with leukemia, so despite that I dusted off the bike and began to ride again. I then became involved with the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Peloton Project in 2002 as a way to help promote cancer awareness and combine it with my passion for cycling. This is also the way I can honor those who have lost their battle with cancer. As the motto goes - Ride to Live!!

Cancer Overview:

General Cancer Type: Leukemia

Specific Cancer Type: CML

Treatment Summary:
Started with daily injections of alpha-Interferon. Stayed on this regime for more than four years and remained in a partial remission state. At the end of this time my partial remission began to relapse which was about the time when STI-571 (better known as Gleevec) became available. I've been on Gleevec for three years and have acheived a complete molecular remission, meaning no detectable sign of leukemia.

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