Lance (@lancearmstrong) inspires me and likely all of you. His dedication to fighting cancer is unwavering and intense. Much like the way he rides his bike. Seeing his passion, his resilience, and his conviction, there is something each of us can learn from him and apply to our own lives.
It has been a thrill to see him absolutely rocking the Tour this year. He and Team Astana are are in the driver's seat of one of the most exciting races in history. So, as Lance gears up for what will be the most important final stages of the race, I know he will be looking to many of you for your inspiration and strength.
I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to head to France for the last few stages of this year's Tour. I feel very grateful for the chance to be there with so many amazing people from Livestrong (@livestrong) including the foundation's leader, Doug Ulman (@livestrongceo). In that light, I thought I would share part of this good fortune with all of you.
Are you fighting cancer right now? Is someone close to you? Are you a survivor? Has Lance inspired you in some way? Well, write down your story! Put it in a letter and email or scan it and email it to me, and I will personally deliver it to Lance before the most important and grueling stage of the race -- Mount Ventoux. I have no doubt your thoughts, feelings, and good wishes will help push him along that ride.
So, here are the details:
Simply mail whatever you want me to share with him to: livestrong@lowercasellc.com
In the meantime, show your support for all that Livestrong does by the following:
1) Follow @livestrong, @lancearmstrong, and @livestrongceo on Twitter for more info and daily inspiration
2) Sign the World Cancer Declaration over at Livestrong: Livestrong Cancer Declaration
3) Put a Livestrong bracelet on your Twitter picture: Livestrong Bracelet for Twitter
4) Tell some friends about all of this and get the word out. This is a winnable fight.
Thanks, everyone, and good luck to Lance, Astana, and all of you!
Chris
I just wanna say thanks to Armstrong for everything he's done, although I don't have cancer, it has affected my life but what has affected my life even more is that I have 22q-11 deletion syndrome with major ld,(learning disabilities) the only thing that seems to help me is riding my bike, this year I was able to ride for the first time in so many years because of some nerve conditions and Lance is responsible making me not feel sorry for myself, I felt sorry for my self for a long time until you came back to the tour and on your bike, you encouraged me to do the same and thank you, I'm riding this summer for kids with 22q and ld thank you for encouraging me to get back on my bike. sincerly tom.
Posted by: trc7880 | July 15, 2009 at 01:27 PM
lance I am a cancer suvivor and I have uploaded a video onto you tube about it! Hope you find the time to take a look. I am following yu on twitter, have signed the pledge and have the yellow stripe on my photo. X http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d-80YyTw_o
Posted by: anne Pickering | July 15, 2009 at 01:29 PM
7 years ago Colon Cancer decided to leave my body after my sweet Chocolate Lab Shasta (RIP) licked it out of me. Either it was going to leave or I was going to need skin grafs on my face from her licking. Glad it decided to pack its bags and move on. Was not looking forward to getting skin grafts as she had scouring pad tongue ;)
Ray
Posted by: Ray Hebert -- Heart of Texas Labrador Rescue | July 15, 2009 at 01:29 PM
very cool....love your blog. have a great trip.
Posted by: tom hodge | July 15, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Thanks for the note, Tom! There is definitely something magical about time on a bike.
Thanks for the lighthearted story, Ray!
Thanks, Tom (Hodge)! I am sure I will.
Posted by: Christopher | July 15, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Right on, Anne. I will be sure he sees your comment!
Posted by: Christopher | July 15, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Lance is unique in what he is doing as a cyclist and as a human being buidling global awareness for cancer support. I started a website with special photography and ART around Lance Armnstrong, all made by myself. At the day Lance announced his feedback, my best friend was diagnosed Leukemia Cancer so
I became inspired and motivated. I also started being a Grassroot leader for the Netherlands/Europe. Now I am donating 8888 USD if I can get enough signatures. I pay this amount myself !! please sign at http://www.livestrongaction.org/node/9812
Thanks LiveSTRONG
www.8forlance.com
Posted by: Paul Raats | July 15, 2009 at 02:28 PM
My nephew of 10 years old is fighting cancer
Posted by: peter bos | July 15, 2009 at 02:35 PM
i nnot fighting cancer but it take my cousin just after grad stanford law school this was 1972 years ago and the treatments not a lot of treatment options ,, had surgeries and chemno on his face mouth and lost an eye . he and his wife faught the good fight for as aslong as he couuld he stayed home to be near his young family planing things writing a journal which was published by his wife in 2005 anyway he was strong and he only lasted 3 years ,, lance you have made it possibble fo so many people 2 fighback not just cancer but other issues that can cause hurt and pain ..you have made ok to fight back yell at the docs make them listeen etc.to and make them treat you with respsct. thank you 4 that carry on
Posted by: becky mchenry | July 15, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Godspeed Lance! You've always been one of my great heroes! I lost my husband in Feb. (to pneumonia) and am now fighting early stage breast cancer myself. A tough year, but you do so inspire me to be strong. Thank you!!!!!
Posted by: Allison Kroll | July 15, 2009 at 03:40 PM
My wife is having surgery for breast cancer as I write this. It's going to be a tough road ahead, but we're going to live strong and beat it.
Posted by: John Chapman | July 15, 2009 at 04:51 PM
I am an ovarian cancer survivor. In the depths of my despair, Lance lifted me up to the possibilities of living and life, diagnosis was tough but the inspiration he gave me by his own fight was enough to get me through. Thanks Lance!
See you in Dublin!
Posted by: Dawn Durbin | July 15, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Everyone deserves to be so inspired.
Posted by: Charlie | July 15, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I am a 17-year Hodgkins (cancer) survivor and want to think Lance for everything he is doing.
After a lifetime of running marathons I've taken up cycling and recently completed my first century ride. (btw, after riding for a year, I have new and profound respect for the speed and strength of pro riders. What they do every day is truly astonishing...)
My prayers are with Lance for a safe and successful remainder of the Tour and I will be cheering as he climbs the final podium in Paris.
Posted by: Jim | July 15, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Your comments are so amazing. Thanks for all of them.
Posted by: Christopher | July 15, 2009 at 06:04 PM
My sister, (58 YEARS OLD) beat the odds with surviving stage 3 esophogheal cancer last year...but now, she has a lung nodule
that the docs cannot figure out if is Stage 4 esophogheal cancer or stage 1 lung cancer.
After a year of grueling treatment , more radiation starts on July 21.
BUT..we are watching the Tour andLIVEStrong every day
Posted by: Cassandra | July 15, 2009 at 06:14 PM
My friend and the best first grade teacher in the world, Ann Garrison, Memphis TN, has lung cancer - stage 4. Her treatments are going well. I watch every stage of the tour and keep up with all of Lance's work. I hope that Lance can keep Ann in his thoughts as he powers through the Alps and finishes in Paris. GO LANCE AND THANKS CHRIS.
Posted by: Betsy Whipple | July 15, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Lance, I'm an almost 4-year thyroid cancer survivor - and I'm still wearing the LiveSTRONG bracelet I bought the first year they were sold during the tour. You are an inspiration to all of us survivors. We are watching the Tour on Versus every day and are amazed and heartened by your strength! Best wishes for the 2009 Tour!
Posted by: Lela C | July 15, 2009 at 08:03 PM
My inspiration is my Grandmother. After losing a daughter (my aunt) to stomach cancer she was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was in her 70's. She went through all the treatments and won. She's now in her 90's and living strong. She doesn't get out on her bike much anymore, but I'm sure if she did she wouldn't let a little hill get in her way.
Go Lance! You are riding for all the grandmas out there.
Posted by: Tim Gates | July 15, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Hi, I'm from Begium, i'm 19 and has a very important heart problem, Lance has inspired me everything, my idol... the way i want to be every day, i also bike, and every time i get on, i know for what reason i'm on it. Thank you Lance !!! See you on the tour, i will be with 2 big Posters... And the american flag..
thanks
yuri
Posted by: Feijtel Yuri | July 16, 2009 at 03:14 AM
I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor. I will never forget my oncologist telling me that I had to change my life in order to live.
He said "look at Lance Armstrong, he rides his bike to stay strong" after my treatments were over. I bought a bike. This year I participated in my 2nd LIVESTRONG bike ride and look forward to MANY more. Lance inspired me to LIVESTRONG. I thing he is an incredible humanitarian.
Posted by: Lydia | July 16, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I made new art around SURVIVOR Lance Armstrong. LA makes many people stronger in their fight against cancer and or other disease. Picture is taken in Silver City and reworked in my studio in The Nethelrands
http://twitpic.com/dbph8
Please resend to all your friends on Twitter if you like to inspire them !!
Will join Tour of Ireland as well.
Paul Raats, www.8forlance.com
@paulraats (twitter)
Posted by: Paul Raats | August 12, 2009 at 02:08 AM
… wow, I wished I didn’t read this piece of story, we all have a hard time to make a living, and to enjoy life, everyday is a new day, fight for it, Lance!
Posted by: Hoshiko | February 13, 2010 at 06:25 AM
In case you meet with some hard situation, you must try to overcome it without any hesitation .willpower is essential to happiness.
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