A little over a year ago I did not know what a LIVESTRONG bracelet
was until a good friend was diagnosed with cancer and she gave me
one while I was visiting in her just before she passed
away. Even though my brother was already a cancer survivor and
worked for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, I had not really been
involved with LAF and the fight against cancer. So I chose then to
get involved and joined the Peloton Project in order to raise both
awareness and funds for this wonderful organization. I raised what
money I could and flew out to Austin from my home in Tampa and took
part in the 100 mile Ride for the Roses. I raised money
again this year for October's event and
ride, but on 8/19/05 I found out I will no longer be just a supporter, I
will be a also be a survivor. I was diagnosed with stomach cancer
and I am now battling my own personal war on this disease.
I still participated in this year's Ride for the Roses in
Austin this October and will continue to do so. I ask that you please join me and my other
sponsors in supporting the Lance Armstrong Foundation in their
efforts by making a donation. Your contribution will have far
reaching effects for those of us living with cancer, their loved
ones and healthcare providers.
Here is a just a partial list of many things the LAF is doing to
help people living with cancer
-The LAF sponsors
national advocacy initiatives to help the voice of the cancer
community be heard in Washington. The LAF’s advocacy efforts helped
increase the NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship budget by 256% and
the CDC Comprehensive Cancer Control budget by 383%.
-Through the LIVESTRONG™ Resource for Cancer Survivors, the LAF
educates people living with cancer, their friends and family and
health care professionals about the physical, emotional and
practical issues that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.
Approximately 200,000 visitors per month access information and seek
support at livestrong.org.
-The LAF provides financial support and practical advice to
community nonprofit organizations serving the needs of cancer
survivors as identified by the National Action Plan for Cancer
Survivorship. The LAF has invested more than $2 million in 104
Community Program partner initiatives that provide direct support
and education to people living with cancer.
-The LAF has granted more than $9.6 million toward cancer
survivorship and testicular cancer research. In 2005, the LAF funded
20 projects for studies including follow-up care for
African-American breast cancer survivors, the impact of exercise in
lymphoma survivors and fertility of women following chemotherapy for
early breast cancer, among others.
-More than 7,000 volunteers across the U.S. and around the world
raise funds and awareness for the LAF through the Peloton Project.
In 2004, Peloton Project members collected more than $5.6 million in
donations and were represented in all 50 states and in 21 countries.
The fundraising goal for 2005 is $7 million.
-More than 50 million people around the world wear a yellow
LIVESTRONG wristband in support of people living with cancer.
LIVESTRONG wristbands allow everyone to share the LAF spirit –
especially the millions of people living with cancer.
-The LAF boasts a four-star Charity Navigator ranking. More than 80%
of the LAF’s budgeted expenses go directly toward mission-related
activities and grants. Since its inception, the LAF has granted more
than $14 million to research and survivorship initiatives in an
effort to help people with cancer live strong.
If you have any questions, please contact me at
info@thisfornow.com.
|
