I always remember growing up when my parents would talk about historical events and they would tell me in detail where they were when something major transpired. They knew where they were. They knew who was there. They knew what the weather was like. It was almost like they had taken a picture that encompassed all of the elements and it was engrained in their mind. Whether it was John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr’s death they remembered the vivid details.
As a kid raised in Maryland there were a handful of things I remember vividly in that same regard. I know exactly where I was when the Challenger exploded as it took off for space. The name Christa McAuliffe will forever be emblazoned in my mind. I know exactly where I was when Len Bias, the former University of Maryland basketball star who was drafted #1 by the Boston Celtics, died in a tragic drug related incident. There are a handful of others as well.
Even with those memories, and others stuck in my mind, none is more poignant than the memory of September 11th. I had lived in Austin just over seven months and the LAF had recently moved into an old Victorian home. I get up early so I was in the car on the way to the office when I heard something on NPR about a small plane crash in NYC. Given my own personal fear of flying, I immediately rushed into my office and turned on my small 13 inch television, which was only really used to watch cancer related education videos that people would send to the LAF to review. I immediately found NBC news and began watching the breaking developments. I tried to call several friends who worked very close to the World Trade Center and all circuits were down. I sat watching as the second plane hit the second tower.
That moment I will never forget. Sitting stunned. Speechless. Staring at a small television wondering what would happen next.
I will also never forget that morning because I was due to meet a local Austin entrepreneur named Scott Abel who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Scott came to the office, bald from treatment, and we sat in my office and watched the news as it developed. At the time, the LAF had only seven employees and we had a Board of Directors of just three individuals. The Board was set to meet later that morning and I recall all three members (Founding Chairman Jeff Garvey, Lee Walker, and Lance) Scott, myself, and my LAF colleagues being glued to the television.
As we reflect on those horrific attacks, we remember those whom we lost that day, we mourn for those families who were forever changed, we honor those who served not only in NYC during the attack and its aftermath, but also those who continue to serve our nation on behalf of our freedom and liberty.
I wanted you to see some pics from the last few days. Training is going well. We have a big mission and your involvement is fueling me. Thanks for all of the comments. Keep them coming.
AUSTIN, Texas – September 9, 2008 – Today, Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and cycling champion, released the following statement regarding his return to professional sports:
“I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it’s now time to address cancer on a global level.”
Mr. Armstrong will discuss his cycling program and an international LIVESTRONG strategy on September 24th in New York City at the Clinton Global Initiative.
Over the last two weeks all of America has had a chance to hear from both the Democrats and the Republicans about their vision for America - but where do they stand on cancer?
Today the Obama campaign released their plan to fight cancer and you can read it here.
The McCain campaign also released their plan to fight cancer today and you can read it here. Last month Senator McCain joined us at the LIVESTRONG Summit and shared his thoughts on fighting cancer and you can watch his remarks here.
As we move closer to the election it is important for all of us to become educated on the issues that are important to us. We applaud both Senator Obama and Senator McCain for addressing the number one killer of Americans under the age of 85.
After you have had a chance to learn what both candidates have to say we would love to hear from you about what your thoughts are - so share them with us below.
September 4th, 2008 by Katherine McLane (LAF Staff)
Hey folks, Katherine from LAF Communications here. ‘Wanted to share this thorough and comprehensive story by TIME’s Bill Saporito about the state of the war against cancer. Bill, himself a survivor, came to our Philly Challenge to see America’s cancer community in action and spent a great deal of time doing the homework that an in-depth piece like this one requires. The LAF was proud to help out with this story and we’re glad that journalists like Bill are bringing attention to the challenges survivors face and the obstacles that exist on a national level to winning this war. Let us know what you think!
My name is Eric Perakslis and I am a PhD, kidney cancer survivor and long-time LAF supporter. This year already, I have run the Boston Marathon and the Nike Human race and will also run the New York Marathon all in support of the LAF.
This year I also attended the LIVESTRONG Summit in Columbus, OH where I learned many things about how to be a successful grassroots advocate. And I thought you all might be interested in hearing how I have applied my experiences and learning’s from the Summit into the development of a Dream Team proposal for the STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C) initiative.
S2UC is breaking ground on many exciting fronts and one of these is the suggested inclusion of cancer advocates onto each Dream Team. Right now the best and brightest are pulling together Dream Team proposals to compete for the S2UC funds and including skilled survivors and advocates may make the difference for the winning teams.
As an advocate, I feel I am still learning but the LIVESTRONG SUMMIT has been transformational for me and I apply the lessons learned everyday. When approached by the proposed Dream Team leader, I first assessed the possible impact of the role. If they were looking for ‘advocate window dressing’, I wasn’t the right guy. I am better at prioritizing my time now and I am much more selective with potential impact as my major criteria on how I invest my advocate hours. Next, I interrogated why they wanted me. I soon learned that the focus and purpose made sense given my interests, education and background. So, deciding to join this group made sense and was easy.
Now the real, and less familiar, work began. How could I use my role to get our Dream Team attention and funded? Again, lessons from the Advocacy track at the LIVESTRONG Summit have made the difference. Prior to the Summit, I had never written a press release. I had never called a media outlet and asked for airtime and I had never truly evaluated the power and opportunity of my personal and professional networks. I am now doing all this and more.
As for status, so far so good. We have our S2UC proposal ready to go and I am currently seeking as much attention as I can for S2UC and our proposal. You can read our proposal here – hopefully it will serve as some inspiration to others and example of advocacy in action.
September 2nd, 2008 by Tristan del Canto (LAF Staff)
On a crisp sunny Sunday morning in Mexico City, red shirted men and women filtered into the center of the “Ángel de la Independencia” (the Angel of Independence) round-about which is located caddy corner from Chapultepec forest which is Mexico City’s version of Central Park. The Nike Human Race in Mexico City was underway. Bystanders flocked to vendors who were selling churros (chocolate filled, tube looking pastries) and coffee. As the sun rose, runners moved to the middle of the round-about and began to warm up. A constant and disembodied voice boomed from the loudspeakers telling the runners to stretch their arms and legs in preparation for the race. The same announcer encouraged participants to be at one with all the runners in distant cities where other Nike Human Races were taking place. Designated cheer leaders—clad in hooded red body suits marked “espiritu” or spirit—further built excitement and motivation for both the runners and onlookers.
At 8:00am thousands of runners blasted through the red Nike archway on “Río Misisipi” (Mississippi River) street. On the course, Nike Human Racers passed by the “Museo de Antropología” (National Museum of Anthropology), Chapultepec forest and some of Mexico City’s finest hotels and restaurants. As the first runners neared the finish line, families, friends and excited race watchers cheered on the runners with shouts of encouragement and support. People lined the streets with cameras, food and signs aimed at their loved ones. Many runners carried Mexican flags and one adventurous soul even sported an Aztec head dress!
Mexico City put on a world class race. People came together to get fit and advocate for worthwhile causes like the fight against cancer. 25,000 people ran, large swaths of people enjoyed the early morning event and the race closed with two well-known Mexican bands—Maldita Vecindad and los Hijos del Quinto Patio. All in all, the event was a huge success. See the video for a look at the action!
From the moment I got to London it was clear that the Human Race was happening on 31.08.08. Promo pieces on the street, on walls in the tube and all over Oxford Circus where Niketown-London resides.
On race day, as I exited the tube at Wembley Park station and made my way down the steps, it was clear to me London was ready for this event! There was a large banner that read… “Come on London. Let’s go hell for Leather” In London almost 20,000 runners took part in a historic event, starting with the concert inside the world famous Wembley Stadium, with Moby and Pendulum creating a show to remember, and generating incredible energy for all runners, and in addition for the 5000 spectators who came to see the bands and cheer on their loved ones. Set off by Paula Radcliffe, and Sebastian Coe, the runners battled through the 10k course, despite torrential rain (a typical London summer!), running through every puddle with huge smiles, having experienced something that London has never seen before.
What I was most excited about was setting up the LAF booth. People in London get very excited about “running for something.” This is how they would start talking to me… they would walk up and say, “I am running for this group!!” At the booth I had wristbands, some LIVESTRONG caps and a Survivor Notebook for people to take a look at. One fellow walked up, and as he looked through with tears in his eyes, turned to me and said, “I wish I would have had something like this when I went through cancer.” It was wonderful how comfortable people felt sharing their stories and learning about what it means to be a part of the LIVESTRONG Army!
I can see a LIVESTRONG movement in the UK, which is truly exciting! Here are a few pictures from this “quite brilliant event!”
Cheers!!
Sign outside the tube
David Craddock and his wife. (David lost his mother to cancer)
Paula Radcliffe and Sebastian Coe, letting the runners loose!
Just outside the stadium, in the first 1K
Wembley Stadium, the finish is right around the corner!
Me and Teresa Rokos (Nike employee) just after our glorious finish!
