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 While fighting cancer in 1997,
Lance Armstrong founded the
Lance Armstrong Foundation. Today he is a
representative for the worldwide cancer community and is equally
renowned for his cycling victories and his leadership
and activism on behalf of cancer survivors. He is living
proof of the power and will to overcome obstacles and
live strong.
At age 25, Lance Armstrong
was one of the world's best cyclists. He proved it by winning the World Championship,
the Tour Du Pont and multiple Tour de France races. Lance Armstrong seemed invincible,
and the future ahead was bright indeed. Then doctors
told him he had cancer.
Next to the challenge he now faced, bike racing seemed
insignificant. The diagnosis was testicular cancer,
the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35. If detected
early, its cure rate is a promising 90 percent. Like
most young, healthy men, Armstrong ignored the warning
signs and never imagined the seriousness of his condition.
Untreated, the cancer had spread to his abdomen, lungs
and brain. His chances dimmed.
Then, with a combination of physical conditioning and
a strong support system, Armstrong's competitive spirit
took over. He declared himself not a cancer victim but
a cancer survivor, hell-bent on living strong. He took
an active role in educating himself about his disease
and treatment. Armed with knowledge and confidence in
medicine, he underwent aggressive treatment and beat
the disease.
Today there are nearly 10 million people living with
cancer in the United States. The Lance Armstrong Foundation
is among the most influential organizations of its kind.
It provides practical information and the tools people need
to battle cancer and survive.
The key beliefs of the foundation are that knowledge
is power and attitude is everything in a battle against
cancer. LAF upholds its mission in four core areas.
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Education.
By informing cancer patients, health care professionals
and the public about the physical, emotional and
practical issues that people face, LAF is equipping
people with the powerful tool of knowledge to combat
cancer.
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Advocacy.
By representing people living with cancer to lawmaking
communities on Capitol Hill, LAF is increasing awareness,
encouraging the government to take action and addressing
the health policy concerns of cancer patients and
their families.
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Public
health. LAF plans, develops and funds
programs that provide after-treatment support and
services.
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Research.
LAF supports scientific and clinical research that
seeks to better understand cancer’s physical,
emotional and practical effects and the challenge
of living with the disease.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation has a number of opportunities
available for involvement. For a variety of volunteer
options and ways to donate, visit
their website.
 A direct and effective way of getting involved is through
advocacy. Becoming an advocate for cancer survivorship
means letting your voice and the voices of those affected
by cancer be heard by lawmakers. By simply writing a
letter or making a phone call, you can ask your members
of congress in Washington, D.C., to support issues that
are important to cancer survivors and their loved ones.
Learn
more about cancer advocacy.
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