Another Successful Event Helping Raise Meso Awareness

Michael Johnson (r) and his
family along
with Roger Worthington (l)

Dana Point, CA.  Mercy, mercy, mercy. What a day! The 8th annual Dana Point Grand Prix remained the premier event of the year, attended by thousands of cheering fans. Over 900 racers competed as well as over 425 youngsters in the action packed kids races.

As proud sponsors of the DPGP, which was held on May 4, Worthington & Caron could only take a deep breath and appreciate all the racers, bike fans, fellow sponsors and more importantly the enthusiasm and commitment of the Dana Point Community.

The weather was perfect, the course was perfect and the racing -- spectacular.

Roger with Gary and Suzie Morse

The John Johnson Pro Criterium (JJPC), the last race of the day lived up to it's billing as one of the fastest criteriums in the country.  This race, however, was more than a race -- it was more of a movement. 

Spearheaded by Michael Johnson (who competed in three races that day!) the JJPC was named in honor of Michael’s dad, John Johnson a Marine and plumber who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2011. John Johnson fought valiantly through his medical treatments and through the legal system before passing away from mesothelioma in 2012.

The JJPC was formed by the Johnson family to promote public awareness of mesothelioma which affects too many military veterans. The Johnson family has also helped fund a mesothelioma treatment center at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.  Worthington & Caron is proud to represent this honorable, brave and reverent family.

Scott and Lisa Hill with
their children

We were delighted to see several mesothelioma patients and there families at the JJPC, including Gary Morse.   Mr.Morse served in the United States Navy. Although scheduled to undergo surgery the next day with Dr. Robert Cameron at UCLA Medical, Gary and his lovely wife Suzie enjoyed the spills and thrills in the VIP tent.  It was great to see them enjoying their day in the sun. 

We were also pleased to see the family of Ron Hill, who served in the National Guard. Ron was at his home recovering from his recent surgery. His son Scott was having a great time with his family, who came down to support the Johnson family's campaign to draw attention to the need for more medical support of veterans with mesothelioma at the West LA VA.

W&C would like to again thank the City of Dana Point for supporting this bike race, festival and fundraiser for the past eight years.

All net proceeds from the race registration will be donated to charities, including the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, The Boys and Girls Club, and the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation.