Lance Armstrong Foundation

Little yellow rubber bracelets. These four words created a pop culture phenomenon, and represent the possibilities when the right circumstances come together. These circumstances include an up-and-coming athlete, a devastating disease, and survival against all medical odds. If the circumstances were not already compelling, the up-and-coming athlete went on to win his sport’s most prestigious competition not once, but a record seven times.

This phenom is Lance Armstrong. In addition to his cycling career, his experience with testicular cancer, which had metastasized to his lungs and brain, along with his comeback have enabled him to be an effective spokesman and fundraiser for cancer-related causes.

The little yellow rubber bracelets, each with the word “LiveStrong” emblazoned upon them have enjoyed enormous success in promoting cancer awareness. Retailing through the LiveStrong website and Nike retailers for a dollar, the bracelet has not only raised funds for cancer research and other causes; it has also raised awareness by becoming an iconic symbol of hope for those with the disease and for a cure.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong’s strong Texas roots trace back to Plano, Texas where he grew up. Armstrong spent much time developing as a triathlete, winning the Iron Kids Triathlon at 13. He resisted the social and cultural pressures to play football, and continued to compete in individual endurance sports. At the age of 16, Lance Armstrong turned professional. He earned his high school diploma while training with the U.S. Olympic cycling developmental team in Colorado Springs, Colorado during his senior year. Thus began the cycling career of Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong’s early career hallmarks included a USPRO Championship title, stage victories in the Tour de France, a World Championship, multiple victories at the Tour du Pont, a No. 1 world ranking, and a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. In 1996, Armstrong, ranking number 1 in the cycling world, competed in the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games as part of the U.S. Cycling Team, and signed a contract with Cofidis, a French-based racing team.

Cancer

Though Armstrong’s riding seemed strong, unbearable pain forced him off the bike. In early October, his doctors said “cancer” and tests revealed that advanced testicular cancer had also spread to his lungs and brain. With a less than 50 percent chance of recovery, Armstrong underwent aggressive chemotherapy that allowed for both a full recovery and minimized the side effect of loss of lung capacity, under the watchful eyes of specialists. As treatment progressed and Armstrong’s health improved, he thought about getting back on the bike and competing professionally again.

Though cancer affected him physically and emotionally, Lance Armstrong empowered himself by seeking the positive in the situation. He lost mass in his upper body, enabling him to be more competitive in the mountains. He adopted the perspective that cancer was “the best thing that ever happened to me” which enabled him to think of how to repay the cancer community. Thus, he founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help others deal with cancer challenges.

Lance Armstrong Cycling Comeback

After Lance Armstrong’s recovery from cancer, he rejoined the world of professional cycling. Even though many of the top European racing teams hesitated to sign him, the U.S. Postal Service team signed him, restarting his career. He quit in a Paris-Nice race, causing many to think that he was done with the bike. However, he went off to North Carolina with his friend and coach Chris Carmichael for stress-free riding, where he renewed his love of the bike and developed the courage to ride again. The focus Armstrong applied to beating cancer, he now applied to his cycling career, resulting in top five finished in the Tour of Spain and the World Championships. From there, he set the goal of winning the Tour de France, eventually winning the race for seven consecutive years. He has since retired from cycling, and serves as a spokesman and symbol of hope for those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)

The LiveStrong Lance Armstrong Foundation has awarded over $14 million in research and community grants since its inception in 1997, to promote its goal to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. The iconic LiveStrong wristbands grace the wrists of over 55 million people, a strong show of support for those living with cancer.

The LAF uses education, advocacy, public health, and research programs to meet its mission. Such programs include cancer survivorship and testicular cancer research, development of comprehensive cancer survivorship centers across the US, development of a partnership with the CDC to help the public health community address cancer survivorship issues. Additionally, the Foundation’s work includes work with over 60 national and community partners to invest in survivorship education and outreach initiatives, investment in 104 Community Program Partner initiatives to provide direct support and education to people living with cancer issues, and provision of direct support and referrals from social workers and case managers to cancer survivors and care givers through the LiveStrong SurvivorCare Program.

Lance Armstrong has provided the cancer and public health world with an inspiring story and raised both funds and awareness to promote better lives for those diagnosed with the disease.