LIVESTRONG

LIVESTRONG has connected me with outstanding people all over the world who live through and beyond cancer with grace, passion, strength, and optimism. Foundation staff and the LIVESTRONG community provided me and my family much-​needed support in many ways. Cancer Navigation helps survivors and caregivers learn what they need and how those needs can be met. Team LIVESTRONG events offer physical challenges in a supportive environment that raise funds to serve everyone affected by cancer. We can each do something to make life better for people facing cancer now, and LIVESTRONG leads the way.

Back in 2008, LIVESTRONG helped me find affordable health insurance in an expensive market place. A few years later I was referred to LIVESTRONG for fertility help. I received unprecedented support in this area. Although cancer ended up taking away my ability to have kids naturally, the Foundation gave me the tools I needed to take the next steps.
Dozens of friends have utilized the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, which offers a 12 week fitness programs for patients and survivors who are entering survivorship. I became a cancer survivor long before LIVESTRONG’s services took off, and it took almost 8 years for me to find strength again. Their partnership with the YMCA focuses on the needs of people in survivorship acts as an incredibly important tool. I LOVE the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

Yes, people impacted by this organization shutting down the entire municipal transit system for two days do have a ‘consumer experience’ with the organization.
The organization can’t legitimately run a transportation program for a small group of people — while preventing masses of local residents from getting to our jobs, food… etc. What it does to the city and our mobility does reflect on it’s reputation.
This is not the way to go about being a ‘cancer organization’.

Impressive and dedicated group of people, who fight cancer on a global level from an unassuming, one story building in East Austin.
Love that place. They show how you can make a difference with innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit and a little elbow grease.

The new facility that the LAF has built in East Austin is a true testament to the value in an «adaptive re-​use» project. I was amazed at how well they had completely re-​designed an old warehouse in to one of the most unique epicenters I have ever seen. The project is Green Rated and certified, and was able to re-​use 95% of the original materials removed from the building!
Take the time to visit it if you’re in the area, if you’re an architectural design junkie like me its well worth the trip.

Here is an excerpt copied from today’s e-​newsletter from the Lance Armstrong Foundation:
«On September 5, 2008 the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is joining forces in the nationwide rallying cry and mobilization effort Stand Up 2 Cancer, which will be broadcast at 8pm (ET/​PT) on the three major television networks — ABC, CBS and NBC. In this historic collaboration, each network is donating one hour of simultaneous commercial-​free primetime for a nationally televised fundraising event aimed at ending cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death.
Produced by LAF friend, acclaimed movie producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin, the Stand Up 2 Cancer event is the first of its kind in the cancer community. By raising philanthropic dollars for accelerating ground-​breaking research, Stand Up 2 Cancer will have an enormous impact in facilitating the goal of making cancer a national priority.
The Stand Up 2 Cancer special will feature LAF founder and chairman Lance Armstrong, as well as live performances by legendary recording artists and stars from film and television and filmed content giving viewers insight into cancer. Stand Up 2 Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501©(3) charitable organization, and was established by a group of media, entertainment and philanthropic leaders, whose lives have all been affected by cancer in significant ways.»
Spread the word folks about this show coming up on the three major networks — ABC, CBS, and NBC on Sept. 5, 2008 @ 8PM (EST, PST)!!! Do your part by telling everyone you know about this very special and historic cooperative airing by the major networks for a disease that has touched us all. My hats off once again to LAF and its founder Lance Armstrong… let’s continue to LIVESTRONG!!!
The LAF encourages everyone to tune in on Sept. 5 and take a stand!

In April, I had the opportunity to visit their HQ and interview my friend Doug Ulman (President of LAF) for a new TV show that is coming out. I met so many more wonderful people and it just proves my point. This is a first class organization that cares more about people than the bottom line. I have sinced worked closely with Kathryn Fitzpatrick, Chris Brewer, Sarah Smazal, Brendan Burns, and Collin Wallis. They are all amazing people with huge hearts that truly care about the organization

It doesn’t matter what Lance Armstrong did or didn’t do during his pro cycling career. If it mattered then, it doesn’t anymore. What he has done for the cancer community is nothing short of amazing. He has become an icon and a hero to cancer victims, survivors, families, friends, and the world as a whole. I do not have cancer but I know those who do (we all do). The simple Livestrong armband was to be a $ 5M project and ended up raising nearly $ 60M and started a fad around the world.
Lance Armstrong’s achievements raised awareness of cancer globally and brought cycling into America’s consciousness. Although there was already a movement for bicycles in conjunction with the environment, I do not doubt that so many others like myself were inspired to get back on a bike again. Thanks in part to inspiration from the 2002 and 2003 Tours de France, I decided to get on a bike again and eventually ride the AIDS LifeCycle from SF to LA and lose 70 lbs over 3 yrs in the process.
I’ve bought all the Tours de France DVDs from 99 to 07, read all of his books, even started buying Graham Watson photography. I even have – much to the chagrin of The Girl – a 6′ x 4′ wall poster from an Oakley ad of him. Obsessed much? Cmon, the guy had testicular cancer that metastasized to his lungs and BRAIN. And he not only survived, he won the world’s most grueling athletic race 7 consecutive times. This isn’t some chump Boston Marathon. This is 2500 miles (about the distance across America) in 3 weeks. And the average speed is over 25mph. The every day riders you see on the streets? That’s 12−15mph. Think double that. Average. Over freaking MOUNTAINS. Yeah, what’s up.
And now I’m riding the Livestrong Challenge because I want to make a difference. I’m with Joe, I can’t believe there’s only 1 review for the LAF. Thank you, Lance. And despite the fact that you beat me to First Review, thank you Joe.