I didn’t join Team LIVESTRONG because I was a cycling fan. In fact, at the time I joined the Team I hadn’t touched a bike for a number of years. I didn’t follow the Tour or know too much about it.
I did however wear a yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet which I haven’t taken off since putting it on to support my father-in-law who was diagnosed with cancer in February of 2005. I knew that yellow stood for HOPE and PROMISE and COURAGE and that was important to me during his battle to become a survivor.
And since that time I’ve known numerous friends and family members who have been touched by cancer.
Cancer has impacted my life and many that I love and care about. I was with my dear friend Lori every step of the way and watched her fight to the end. That is why I joined this Team.
I raise money to support the millions of others who are going through a similar situation… and so that cancer knows I’m not going to take this quietly. I run with Team LIVESTRONG because I’m giving survivors a voice and I know that the money I raise helps people like my teammate Iram, a 31 year old brain cancer survivor, get access to a cancer and relationships class that gave him better perspective on his situation. LIVESTRONG connected him with other people who understand what he was going through… www.livestrong.org/iram.
Amongst controversy currently surrounding Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG must push forward. Cancer doesn’t care about controversies or take a day off, and neither can we as cancer fighters.
LIVESTRONG provides SO many programs… (go here for more information: http://livestrong.org/Get-Help) Fertility Services, the Navigation Center, LIVESTRONG at the Y, One-on-One support, endless resources, transportation around Austin, and providing assistance to build a home in Austin for a family impacted by cancer. All of these things would never have been possible without the vision of Lance Armstrong, but they continue not because of Lance, but because of the staff at LIVESTRONG and the amazing people who support my Team in our endeavors with donations.
Every day individuals are diagnosed with cancer and faced with some of the most difficult challenges of their life. If you asked them, during their battle, if they cared about cycling, I doubt they would care. Cancer is bigger than one cyclist and bigger than one individual.
In order to overcome this disease and help those who are currently living with it, we must work together as a community of cancer fighters… Unity is Strength!
I’m so proud to be a part of this incredible Team so that I can make a difference in this fight! It can be difficult asking for donations… but I will continue to ask, and to spread the message of what the LIVESTRONG Foundation is able to do for those affected by cancer to ensure we are making strides toward the larger cause.
With all of the recent attention and the light that has been shed on the Foundation… the number of individuals and families reaching out asking for help has increased. People who had no idea what LIVESTRONG did before have realized that there is help waiting for them; they are calling, emailing, and speaking with support staff at an accelerated rate.
You see it’s true, cancer doesn’t take a day off.
This is my passion. It has a piece of my heart. I’ve watched those I love go through courageous battles… some have made it to survivorship and some have not been so lucky. It’s for all of these incredible individuals that I run and continue to support LIVESTRONG… and I pray you will continue your support as well!
milethirteenone 