The 2013 Tour of Long Beach kicked-off Thursday, April 11 outside the entrance of Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. Patients from the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children’s, who are battling cancer and serious blood disorders, competed in a tricycle race against professional cyclist, and 2000 U.S. Olympian, Tony Cruz around the pavilion entrance. Patients were cheered on by their families, community members, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, who called the race, and Miller Children’s employees to celebrate each of them as they crossed the finish line.


For the first time ever, Miller Children’s Facebook fans were able to choose which Miller Children’s physician would compete against patients in the tricycle race. Based on online votes the fan favorite was Ramin Javahery, M.D., medical director, pediatric neurosurgery, Miller Children’s, who joined patients at the start line with his very own tricycle. Miller Children’s chief medical officer Divya Joshi, M.D., MMM also participated in the race.

The Tour of Long Beach invites amateur cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts of all skill levels to ride on the 31-mile Tour, 62-mile Metric Century, 100-mile “Cruz Gran Fondo” and a 5-mile Family Fun Ride throughout the city. Participants in the tour will help raise funds for pediatric cancer research at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s. The money raised helps support research projects for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood cancers and blood-related disorders.


JJCCC provides comprehensive, family centered care to children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders in a culturally sensitive environment. Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children’s is known for its comprehensive psychosocial programs and multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. The Center improves outcomes, prevents complications and enhances the quality of life for children with cancer and serious blood disorders by integrating new clinical research efforts into treatment plans.



“The tricycle race is a great way to kick-off the Tour of Long Beach and raise awareness about our pediatric cancer research efforts,” says Divya Joshi, M.D., MMM, chief medical officer, Miller Children’s. “Donations from the Tour of Long Beach support new, innovative treatments for our patients, crucial services for their families and clinical research. Future generations of children and families will continue to benefit from this event’s support and dedication.”

Photos: Right – Tony Cruz, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and Facebook Fan Favorite Miller Children’s physician Ramin Javahery, M.D., medical director, pediatric neurosurgery, helped kick-off the Tour of Long Beach. Left – Javahery bravely accepted the opportunity to participate in the tricycle race against six patients.