Do Something Good
Here’s how Bill Gifford’s story (in Outside) about LiveStrong and Lance Armstrong begins:
If Lance Armstrong went to jail and Livestrong went away, that would be a huge setback in our war against cancer, right? Not exactly, because the famous nonprofit donates almost Ânothing to scientific research.
And that’s pretty much it. That’s the “big reveal” of the story. LiveStrong doesn’t do cancer research. Therefore what it does doesn’t matter. Not really.
Because what the millions of people who have cancer, right now, really need is cancer research, right? It’s cancer research that’s going to help them understand their current treatment options. It’s cancer research that’s going to inspire them to be strong and stay positive.
It’s cancer research that called me back, right away, after I filled out a form on a website, because I had found out Susan’s cancer had come back and I just didn’t know what it meant or what to do.
You see my point? Cancer research is important. Very important indeed, to the people in the distant future who will benefit from that research. But helping people who have cancer right now is important too. And for personal reasons, it’s the part of the fight against cancer I want to be involved in.
Do Good Things
I’m not going to do a point-by-point response to Gifford’s piece. I just don’t want to. Part of why is that I’ve been in Chicago the whole week, working long hours. I don’t have a lot of piss nor vinegar in me right now. The other part of why is I’ve had a chance to talk with some pretty amazing people this past week, and I’d like to be a little bit more like them.
So instead of getting all indignant and snarky and stuff, I’m going to tell you a little bit about the life philosophy I’ve been evolving. It’s pretty easy to remember: Do good things.
That word “good” is kind of a slippery one, though, isn’t it? It can mean “kind” or “fun” or “beneficial” and probably a whole bunch of other things. And I mean all of them. I try to live in such a way that I’m usually either doing or planning something fun, or kind, or helpful. And I try to do these things with the kind of people who also like to do good things.
I’ve spent some time during the past few years with people at LiveStrong. And they are people who do good things. I mean this. They are focused on helping people who either have or have had cancer.
They’re good people, doing good things. They aren’t wasting your money. They aren’t cheating you. They aren’t treating what they do like a job; they act like they’re on a mission. I know some of them, and I trust them. I trust that they’re honestly doing what they believe is the best thing they can do with your money to help in the fight against cancer.
And part of trusting someone is letting them make decisions and act on those decisions, without second-guessing them constantly.
For example, in Gifford’s piece, he refers to the LiveStrong legal team taking down someone who was selling “BarkStrong” dog collars. At first blush, that does sound ridiculous. Why waste good money on that? Well, I suppose it’s possible that some people at LiveStrong had a serious meeting at some point and asked themselves, “Are we OK with people taking our brand — the most meaningful asset we have — and turning it into a joke? And if we’re not, how are we going to defend that brand?” And maybe they made a sober decision on what the right thing to do was.
And maybe — just maybe — Lance started and continues to spend a ton of time on LiveStrong because he’s lived through cancer and he’s seen people who haven’t lived through it. I’m pretty sure that if money or fame were his objectives, he could go about getting both of them in more direct and easier ways.
Simply put, fighting cancer is what matters to Lance. It matters to him more than most people really understand. You may be able to ask him a little bit more about that here, soon.
So. I trust LiveStrong. And I trust Lance. Together, they’re an amazing force, and I am proud to lend my energy to their efforts.
Join Team Fatty, Help LiveStrong
So, Team Fatty is going to do the Davis LiveStrong Challenge in 2012, like we did last year. There are going to be incentives and prizes and other awesome reasons to help make the fight fun. But for right now, just do me a favor and sign up. Join the team.
It’ll be awesome celebrating having done something good together.
Do Other Good Things
I know that not everyone will agree with me about Lance, or about LiveStrong. Honestly, though, I don’t want to argue. I just don’t. So how about this: let’s agree that I won’t convince you and you won’t convince me about anything we have hardened opinions on.
That’s the way people are.
But if you disagree with me about LiveStrong, I’ll bet you still agree with me about doing good things. So — instead of burning cycles on arguing — you go give your time and money to whatever cause you choose.
Maybe, for example, you’ll want to join Team Fatty as we support World Bicycle Relief again this year. Or Young Survival Coalition. Or maybe you’ve got something else up your sleeve. Something that is important to you, with people you trust.
That’s awesome. Do it. And email me about it. I love hearing about people doing good things.
But let’s not tear into each other.
But I’d love it if you’d join Team Fatty. Let’s help LiveStrong with the fight against cancer.
Comment by Tom | 01.12.2012 | 9:16 pm
Great post. That is a good thought to wake up with each morning.
Comment by Heber Chad - ldsphi | 01.12.2012 | 9:18 pm
Thanks Fatty, and I trust you. 2012 is going to be a great year of doing good.
Comment by Janine | 01.12.2012 | 9:36 pm
Hope to see you on the YSC Tour de Pink as well, although Heather was an awesome ghost rider last year!
One of the reasons Team Fatty is focusing on the LiveStrong Challenge in Davis in the Summer is so we can focus on the Tour de Pink in the Fall. We’ll be there! – Fatty
Comment by gumoore | 01.12.2012 | 10:15 pm
Bravo! Well said.
Comment by Glenn | 01.12.2012 | 10:33 pm
Well said Fatty, see you in Davis!!
Comment by gfurry | 01.12.2012 | 10:34 pm
Great post. I am tired of people writing for web traffic instead of what is right. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Paul Guyot | 01.12.2012 | 10:54 pm
Thank you for this, Fatso.
I recently tweeted something positive about Lance & Livestrong (@fizzhogg) and was staggered by the amount of hate email and hate tweets I received.
And despite providing solid facts in support of Livestrong and their work, people turned a blind eye to it and just continued to slam them – irrationally and with rage.
People get it or they don’t.
And people who have done good things – you. With this blog. With hooking me and my family up with Livestrong when cancer entered our lives.
Thank you. And thanks to all Team Fatties everywhere.
Continue to fight the good fight.
Do good things.
Comment by leroy | 01.12.2012 | 10:55 pm
If you can do something good, why wouldn’t you?
My dog suggested I donate my body to science fiction.
He’s a rescue. Not all good deeds go the way you expect.
Doesn’t make doing them any less good.
Comment by Carl | 01.12.2012 | 11:36 pm
I read the article this morning… I wasn’t impressed. If Lance is ever convicted of a crime, that will be the time to decide how/if it will effect LIVESTRONG. Until then, they are carrying out their mission, even if the author doesn’t agree it is important.
Comment by Mike C | 01.13.2012 | 12:03 am
Thanks for the great post, Fatty. I was really disturbed by the Outside article. I embrace your approach. Instead of hating the haters, getting caught up in the bitterness and cynicism, focus on doing good.
I’ll see you in Davis!
Comment by Mike | 01.13.2012 | 12:16 am
Well said.
Interesting note about the dog collars: about a year after the whole Barkstrong incident, Livestrong started selling their own collars and leashes. Our three dogs all wear their Livestrong collars, and two of them have the leashes which we always use on walks (they were sold out of the large size for the third dog when we bought them in 2008). A year after we got the collars, one of the dogs joined me as a cancer survivor (and is still going 2.5 years later).
We get people asking about them all the time, wanting to know where we got them. Unfortunately I have to tell them that Livestrong discontinued them shortly after we got ours.
Comment by AKChick55 | 01.13.2012 | 12:20 am
Hmmm, I keep having trouble posting…not sure what is going on. Going to try this again…
I signed up for Davis a while back. :) Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. How in the world could I miss a Team Fatty party. We had a little Team Fatty group in Austin and I’m looking forward to pie (or chocolate cake) with a lot of Team Fatty’s in Davis. Mmmm chocolate cake….
Also looking forward to raising more money for LIVESTRONG. I have personally used their services on behalf of my sister and her hubby (29 going on 30 with stage 4 colon cancer, less than 8% chance of surviving 5 years). They are amazing and serious in their mission. There are SO many organizations that raise money for research but I only know of one that does what LIVESTRONG does on the scale that it does and that’s…well, LIVESTRONG. So whether or not Lance is guilty (and I want to believe that he’s innocent down to my core, especially after being a guest in his home and eating dinner in his backyard, and listening to him speak) I think that LIVESTRONG serves such an important service that even if he were guilty, it wouldn’t matter to me. It just wouldn’t. LIVESTRONG serves a valuable purpose and we need it to survive so I will continue to believe and fundraise.
So I guess whether Lance is guilty or not is irrelevant to me. Keeping the folks at LIVESTRONG employed and connected to the various networks that help people going through cancer figure out the system, get financial aid, TAKE CHARGE of their life and LIVE, that is what matters and what is important. Not if Lance is guilty or not.
So Elden, I’m on board and am going to get to Davis one way or another. I may not have a place to stay, but I’m coming. I’ll have my bike and that’s all that I need. (and this lamp, and this chair, and my bike, and this water bottle…)
Comment by AKChick55 | 01.13.2012 | 12:22 am
Also, who do we talk to so we can get LIVESTRONG to make the collars and leashes again? I’d buy three sets!
Comment by Jeff Bike | 01.13.2012 | 12:35 am
I read Bill Gifford’s story, Fatty your a much better writer.
Comment by @terrysrunning | 01.13.2012 | 1:08 am
Great post. Well said.
Comment by Jim | 01.13.2012 | 1:47 am
I have a great deal of trust in Elden. Clearly, his heart is in the right place and he’s 100% sincere about the fight against cancer.
Now for the part a lot of folks will disagree with: I don’t trust Lance Armstrong. But I’m not saying that to start an argument, I’m saying it to confirm that Elden’s fans are not confined to the pro-Armstrong camp, and I think that’s an important point. The fact that we disagree doesn’t diminish my respect for Elden one bit.
Comment by bart | 01.13.2012 | 1:49 am
had an absolutely crappy day yesterday. My head was still filled with negative thoughts today. Despite the 25k commute to work on my bike (normally my favourite start of the day). Your post inspired me. Thanks you for that.
I will do good things today.
Comment by Rachel | 01.13.2012 | 1:49 am
I am in total agreement, as long as they are clear on what they do. I suspect a lot of people think of the ‘fight against cancer’ as a matter of research, and thus to discover that there is no research funding is to discover there is no fight about cancer.
As long as LiveStrong is clear that their primary goal is helping people currently with cancer get through it, and advocacy for survivors, and such, then it’s up to an individual if they want to donate only to research organisations, but there’s hardly a problem with groups that do other things.
Having a quick look on their website, it seems to well express the primary goals, and explains where the money goes, and to which sort of programs – seems pretty clear to me!
Comment by Cookster | 01.13.2012 | 6:41 am
Fatty,
Ride to Conquer Cancer (www.conquercancer.org.au) hit the down under shores last year (2011) and it was a great ride (1343 rides and $4.7M raised for the Qld Instutite of Medical Rearch). I finished the 240km, 2 day ride and signed up for it again.
Comment by none | 01.13.2012 | 7:11 am
Livestrong is a house of cards. Most of your money goes to marketing and Lance upkeep. The people who work there are dedicated and I imagine they will be super pissed once the goings-on are found out. The Outside piece was just the tip of a very awful iceberg.
And to sue a company about dog collars and then make your own? Wow, that takes ball!
Comment by Chris | 01.13.2012 | 7:18 am
I read Giffords article a few days ago it’s clear to me that it was written by a person that hasn’t been sick a whole lot in his life. As a result he’s done the research (maybe) but he has no idea whats really happening.
Well done Fatt and I’m looking forward to all the good we can do in 2012.
Comment by shampoo | 01.13.2012 | 7:20 am
Cancer shields UP !
Comment by David Hendry | 01.13.2012 | 7:45 am
I have no idea if Livestrong is good or bad with reference to how much of their money is spent on their goals and how much goes to the charity itself. Every charity has that sort of problem and they deal with it in different ways. I suspect Armstrong “cheated” when he was racing but I don’t know that yet and I propose a whole new way of looking at this sort of thing. I’m going to call it innocent till proven guilty and I hope it catches on somewhere.
Lastly as a cancer survivor I don’t really care if he did or didn’t cheat. His story inspired me before I was stricken and continues to inspire me now as I recover and will continue to inspire me whether or not he is ever proven to have cheated or not.
Comment by J Rossetti | 01.13.2012 | 7:47 am
I read Gifford’s article and found it very informative. I thought he dissected Livestrong very well and I think Livestrong is a great organization. I personally have been involved in raising nearly $250,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a real nonprofit, for the last 4 years. I am an avid cyclist and have done RAAM twice and I am doing it this year 2012. If Lance wasn’t such an arrogant ass and he kept his mouth shut, he probably wouldn’t have an investigation right now and he would still have a huge fan base, but….enough said!!
Comment by Chris | 01.13.2012 | 7:48 am
Nov 1st I was 255lbs, today I weighed in at my Companies fitness center at 235lbs, My goal is 215lbs by JUNE. June is important because i will be riding in the MS 150 Escape to the lake Pittsburgh to Erie. My college roomate has been diagnosed w MS and I am riding for him.
Comment by Ice41000 | 01.13.2012 | 7:48 am
Hmm… Is it about Livestrong.com or Livestrong.org?
Because one is FOR PROFIT and another is about helping cancer patients.
It is confusing when they share the name, isn’t it? And why is that, anyway?
Comment by Cassandra | 01.13.2012 | 7:58 am
Great response. I have participated in Philly LiveStrong Callenge for 3 yrs, since my 58 yr old sis was DX w. Esophogheal cancer. She is still with us, and we used several of the LiveStrong services through this nightmare of cancer.
I didn’t read the article yet, but wonder if he interviewed people who were actually using
Any LiveStrong services?
As for 2012, I will be a LiveStrong grassroots leader this year. Enough said
Comment by off-roadie | 01.13.2012 | 7:58 am
Everyone in the United States supports cancer research with their tax dollars. If you want more money to go into research, send letters to your representatives and senators and tell them you want more money to be given to the National Institutes of Health. If you want money to go to helping people who have cancer now, send money to a charity. Actually, you could probably do both!
@none: haters gonna hate
Comment by Matt | 01.13.2012 | 8:08 am
I read Gifford’s article yesterday. It was pretty shoddy journalism, and i’m surprised (maybe?) that Outside published it.
I don’t know tons about Lance and don’t have an opinion on him one way or another (though I hope he’s innocent just for the sake of the sport), but it became pretty clear that Gifford hates him – and unfortunately, that hate is getting taken out on Livestrong.
Comment by Steve | 01.13.2012 | 8:18 am
Up until reading the article, I thought Livestrong supported cancer research. I doubt I’m alone in that.
I don’t think less of Livestrong. The article took away “research” but gave back much more. I’m glad to have more insight into what they do.
But at the same time, I’m glad to have that clarity. Research isn’t everything, but it is an important piece of the puzzle. As such it needs support as well.
Comment by PooBah | 01.13.2012 | 8:20 am
Irony
http://www.livestrong.com/article/14698-accepting-personal-responsibility/
Comment by Ginger | 01.13.2012 | 8:28 am
WTG Chris — I’m riding to lose, too, so your story inspires me.
Like the concept of “do good” whatever it means to you. To me, it’s riding in support of charities — good for me, good for them. It’s feeding homeless families because I have enough to feed mine. It’s loaning a car to a friend because she wrecked hers and couldn’t afford to repair it righ away.
Do good and support others who do good.
Comment by Paul Guyot | 01.13.2012 | 8:52 am
I’m not going to get into a debate, but just some 411 to “none” — Charity Navigator, which has zero ties to Livestrong, gives it a higher rating than a lot of other big name cancer charities out there, including the ones most people shout about over Livestrong. Look it up.
And as far as “most of the money goes to marketing and Lance upkeep” — I fear that “none” like so many others, has no idea there is a difference between Livestrong.org and Livestrong.com. But it only takes about 90 seconds out of one’s life to become educated about such things. Try it.
/my comments
Comment by Allan Nicholls | 01.13.2012 | 9:04 am
I love this article Fatty!… I am so tired of people running at Lance and, by extension, his incredible Cancer work.
Journalists – you don’t have evidence and you never will, so let it go! Do you really want to be the one to knock this giant in the fight for cancer survivors off his podium. Nothing good can come of that – nothing!
Lance’s racing career is history – his cancer work in now and frankly, far more important.
Comment by Mark J. | 01.13.2012 | 9:09 am
That’s your best post for a long time Elden. I wholeheartedly agree. Hopefully people can separate Lance from Livestrong. He can sometimes be a very unlikable person but the organization does a lot of good.
Keep you the good work.
Comment by Ginger Schminger | 01.13.2012 | 9:11 am
I read the Outside article a few days ago as well. Like others have said, it CLEARLY was written by someone who passionately dislikes Lance Armstrong.
@Ice41000, the article touches on both Livestrong.org as well as Livestrong.com. If memory serves me correctly (and please correct me if I’m wrong here), Livestrong allows a company to use livestrong.com for profit, but they give a portion of those profits to the Livestrong Foundation.
I would’ve much rather have read an article that wasn’t written with such venom. It does have some interesting information, but nothing that overshadows the good that Livestrong does. So Livestrong doesn’t support cancer research. Who cares? Personally, I would’ve killed to have had the kind of services Livestrong provides back in the mid-90’s when my step-mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Instead, Daddy and I were left to fumble through the most difficult time of our lives with only our faith in God to lean on. Support services would’ve been such a blessing.
Comment by a chris | 01.13.2012 | 9:19 am
Well written, Elden. Without your blog I really wouldn’t know what LiveStrong does. It’s easy, from one point of view, to think the fight against cancer should mean a scientific effort to eliminate it as a human ailment; clearly current treatment methods are not what we wish we had.
I think without first-hand experience it’s harder to truly “get” the importance of support at a personal level and of advocacy.
Here in the UK we have Marie Curie Cancer Care, and Macmillan Cancer Support, which do not research possible cures but exist to care for people in the present. I had a look at each of their websites and found it striking just how clear they make their mission in their “what we do” sections.
The LiveStrong site reads to me as though there’s an assumption that I already know the core mission and they only need to convey how great they are at it. A summary in plain English could really help outsiders to parse the whole package. The blurbs at the tops of “who we are” and “what we do” both seem to give (non-definitive) examples of types of things they do, and the second half of “who we are” – “work for a world in which our fight is no longer necessary” suggests research, doesn’t it?
I’m sure the site is a great resource if you’re looking for LiveStrong programs, and it projects a great energy, but the frustratingly-unspecific corporate-marketing speak it’s infused with could foster mistrust.
I wonder whether LiveStrong is, to most, a huge brand without a well-known core mission. This could conceivably leave public perception more subject to people’s opinions about Lance Armstrong.
Sorry. That was long, and, I fear, incoherent.
Comment by Stephen | 01.13.2012 | 9:23 am
One thing that disappoints me is that everyone talks about a ‘cure’ – not many people talk about prevention.
Comment by Trailer Park Cyclist | 01.13.2012 | 9:59 am
There is something disturbing about the way Lance is being attacked on all sides. I find myself thinking of Scribes and Pharisees. Now Outside prints this insidious article attacking (through implication and question marks) his Good Works. Why? Bicycles are bicycles; Professional Cycling is a far larger mess than its niche status warrants.
Helping people in their darkest and most desperate hour is something else, something far larger than selling magazines or promoting a tell-all book.
I have read testimonials from many people saying how LiveStrong helped. I can’t remember ONE person saying that LiveStrong did not help.
However it turns out, I’m for Lance. I’m for Fatty. I suspect the Snob can fend for himself.
TJ
Comment by Dan O | 01.13.2012 | 10:07 am
As a survivor, I’ve had the chance to thanks those at Amgen for the research work they do in person. While Livestrong may not give as much as some would like to research, Livestrong gives a voice to survivorship, it gives people an outlet to discuss what is going with either themsleves or a loved one, It gives information to people who don’t have any idea where to look for it. I look at Livestrong as a huge support center for anyone, who is affected by Cancer, be it they have some form of cancer, or if they know someone who does, Livestrong exists to help people.
I’ll be at Livestrong Austin again this year, hopefully there will an Unoffical Team Fatty presence.
Stephen, while some cancers are “preventable” many others, like the cancer I have, do not have a known cause, which is why a cure instead of prevention is sought. Thanks to those who have worked on a cure, I am in complete remission.
Comment by bacmapei | 01.13.2012 | 10:10 am
A glimpse of the passion behind the man. Today’s post is what my day needed. I’m looking forward to a great year doing good things with Team Fatty.
Comment by Dave | 01.13.2012 | 10:14 am
Seems like anytime a so called news source in the US needs to increase their magazine sales (Outside) or their viewers (60 Minutes) they bring out a story about Armstrong or LIvestrong. The AP, ESPN, ABC, NBC and CBS Sports are all guilty of this. The only stories they put out about cycling are negative ones about LA or whatever happens to be the latest drug issue, test, positive, etc. going on in cycling. Now that Lance has retired from racing,they can’t increase their bottom lines doing positive stories about Lance or LIvestrong so now they resort to tearing it down. Rarely will you see a story from one of these sources about results or highlights of any significant races in pro cycling other than short comments about the Tour. They only report on the stuff they can sensationalize and grab short attention spans with. That keeps their advertisers happy and coming back. Calling out Lance Armstrong and Livestrong is completely hypercritical but hey that has become the American way.
Comment by Dave T | 01.13.2012 | 10:30 am
Well said Elden. Looking forward to doing good things this year.
Comment by P Nome | 01.13.2012 | 10:55 am
Very well said. My friend has leukemia and I do some “grassroot” fundraisers for her periodically and she always want the funds to go to the LLS. They (LLS) do the same with the support in helping the people & their families with leukemia– as they helped her and her family.
Comment by Liz | 01.13.2012 | 11:05 am
Thank you Elden, well said.
When I had cancer, I benefitted greatly from a local organization that has a similar mission to Livestrong. I cannot overstate how helpful that kind of support is to people and families going through this scary time. It’s worth funding and it is one of the “good things” you can do.
Research is another good thing, and I personally support organizations that fund research and encourage others to do so, too. I don’t see them as mutually exclusive and we should support a variety of organizations with different missions.
Hope I can join Team Fatty at one of these events this year — California is far away for me, but I’ll see what I can do!
Comment by Papa Bear | 01.13.2012 | 11:07 am
First, I loved the post. I couldn’t have said it better – which is why you write an award winning blog, and I write a blog that about 3 people read. ;)
Next, WHERE exactly is the Davis event held? Am I right in thinking Davis County, UT? I would love to join in, but I need to know if it’s local.
Third, LOVED your book!!! Keep it up!
-Papa Bear
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 01.13.2012 | 11:16 am
It seems we are all giving Outside Magazine just what it wants… publicity. I’m old enough to have been reading the magazine since issue one (it’s in a box downstairs, I think). Sadly it long ago ceased being the magazine it once was, or have the writers it once had.
Paul Guyot, shout out to you! Everyone should use Charity Navigator. I wonder where Bill Gifford’s Foundation rates? …Oh!, there’s not one?
AKChick55(????) 55 What? It’s not years, we’ve seen your picture. It must be the snowfall this week in Anchorage. And now, in addition to PIE in Davis, we need cake too! OK,I’ll pull out my recipes, I’ve got a Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake I’ve been meaning to try.
Elden- Can we get some shirts for Davis: DO GOOD THINGS!!! (Orange on Black)
and the horse logo.
Comment by Austin Sakura | 01.13.2012 | 11:29 am
Spot on. If a person hates someone who is trying to good things, what “good things” that person can bring to the world by hating, right? Why do we even need to listen to (read about) them? Great article and thank you.
Comment by Mack | 01.13.2012 | 11:40 am
There’s an important corollary to “Do Good Things” which is “Don’t be a Dick” (credit to Wil Wheaton). Unfortunately, there are too many people on both sides of this debate that fail on this note, starting with Senor Pelota himself.
Personally, I don’t doubt that Livestrong does good work and helps a lot of people in desperate times of need. I just wish they would disentangle themselves from their founder and all of the suspicious and fraudulent associations.
Comment by Levi | 01.13.2012 | 11:45 am
Same question as Papa Bear. Where is the event location? I’m guessing this is in Davis, CA? The link to the event has very little info on it. I’m new to the site (enjoying it very much btw) and a newb to all the great stuff y’all are doing. Thx!
Comment by Jen Roop Stretch | 01.13.2012 | 11:47 am
Great post Fatty! I was introduced to Team Fatty 3 years ago at the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge, and have loved watching your team grow and succeed each year. I also really liked hearing you speak on behalf of the team last year in Davis at the Fundraising dinner.
I value and 100% agree with your opinion on LIVESTRONG and Lance and appreciate all of the good that you and Team Fatty have done.
Keep doing good things!
Comment by Dan in Sac | 01.13.2012 | 11:50 am
Well said and I’m in. Hope to meet you all in Davis this year.
Comment by ScottR | 01.13.2012 | 11:50 am
I have great faith in Fatty’s desire to do good things, even if I have questions or criticism of some aspects of LiveStrong.
Comment by Linda | 01.13.2012 | 11:52 am
@Stephen (9:23 AM): I am heavily involved in an organization that is indeed looking for the cause instead of the cure, but at this time we are looking only at breast cancer. It is called the Army of Women, and I can’t believe it took until 2008 for someone to come up with the idea for it! Of course, I am also a HUGE supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which obviously does work for a cure instead of prevention. Bottom line: Cancer sucks, let’s get rid of it one way or another!
And Fatty, this was an excellent, EXCELLENT post. I try to live my life each day with that exact mantra: Do Good Things. My good things may not be the good things that you support or even understand, but they are, nonetheless, good. I have to wonder if those who cause the rest of us “do-gooders” to spend our time and energy refuting angry, baseless claims realize the good that they are causing to go undone as a result. Baffling.
Comment by Laurel | 01.13.2012 | 11:58 am
Research is necessary, my best friend has just been diagnosed with inoperable, terminal cancer, so he has “donated” himself to go through experimental chemo, it won’t help him, but what they learn from it may help someone else in the future. It is very difficult to watch him go through this, but it is his choice and his contribution.
Keep up the good fight!
Comment by MattC | 01.13.2012 | 12:06 pm
NICE post Fatty! I’ll be happily seeing you AND all the other Fatties once again up in Davis. I’ve been w/ you since the start of OUR LIVESTRONG campaign, and I’ll be with you till the end (of cancer I mean!).
AKChick55, it will be great meeting you finally! I ALSO would love to get 3 sets of the LIVESTRONG collars and leashes (one of our three ‘fur babies’ is also a cancer survivor). I hope they do indeed bring them back!
I first read the Velo News article yesterday talking about the Outisde article (my copy of Outisde just arrived last night amazingly enough), and boy, down in the VN comments it’s just a sesspool of pure HATRED! So many people have NO IDEA what LS does, yet have no problem slamming them in their ignorance. I guess people have their minds made up (about Lance AND LS) and NO amount of information will ever change that.
I however will continue to support LIVESTRONG, and will also continue to hope and pray that I NEVER need to make that phone call to them for info. But knowing that I could is a great comfort. And that they are even now helping my friends and zillions of people I don’t even know…well, that’s why I choose to support them.
Bless you Fatty…I’m w/ you all the way!
Comment by Wife#1 | 01.13.2012 | 12:11 pm
Upfront, I have not read the article in Outside and frankly I don’t need to. No matter what happens or is said, Lance Armstrong will remain a personal hero for me and my family. And Livestrong is an organization I will continue to passionately support.
The work he has done in the fight against cancer, and SUPPORT for those fighting cancer literally cannot be measured.
No matter what history reveals, nothing will take away from those sublime moments, cheering myself horse in front of a TV, hairs on my arms literally standing up, watching some of his greatest cycling moments during various TDFs. Big Mig (and my husband) started me onto the path of being interested in pro-cycling but it was Lance who made me the pro-cycling freak I am today!
LOVE Lance. Always will. Will continue to channel funds and other resources to support Livestrong.
And otherwise Fatty… for other fun and hopefully inspiring news of people “doing good” work, our 10 y/o daughter Sage (DavidinMarin is dad) is trying to set a new world record for the most Girl Scout cookies donated for US Troops deployed overseas. This is her 5th and last year doing it. If anyone likes supporting our troops (and this is tax deductible too), check out her pitch here: http://sagegirlscoutcookiesforustroops.com/2012/01/08/overview/
I thought about raffling my 2011 Andy Schleck TDF Yellow Jersey in exchange for donations to her effort but that seemed too complicated for anyone who is not Fatty! LOL!
Comment by KanyonKris | 01.13.2012 | 1:07 pm
Elden, you made the right call to focus on what LiveStrong does rather than argue the points of the article.
I’ll admit that initially I assumed LiveStrong was mostly about cancer research. When you tell someone you’re “fighting cancer” most people will think of research and how to better treat or cure cancer.
I think LiveStrong should do more to clearly state their mission to the public to counter these misunderstandings. For starters, they should further emphasis the LiveStrong name, that’s what they are about, helping those with cancer to live strong. IMO, they should de-emphasize the fighting cancer message since it confuses people.
For the record I don’t regret a single dime I’ve donated. It was still money I gave to help people, and I think it did. Overhead is a fact of life so that issue doesn’t concern me.
Comment by AKChick55 | 01.13.2012 | 1:18 pm
Anyone that thinks a nonprofit channels all it’s money into marketing is just plain ignorant. They have certain standards they must uphold and they are audited by the IRS and held to certain standards. LIVESTRONG’s financial information is on the site detailing how much money goes towards each area. Most legit nonprofs (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is one) try to spend as little as possible on advertising and other costs so that the majority of funds goes towards their mission. I didn’t have any problems figuring out LIVESTRONG’s mission and am a recipient of their services so can vouch they are awesome and legit. Yes, we need money to go for research but there are umpteen 100s of organizations that do that. I have serious issues with the Susan G. Komen. They are not what they would purport to be and so many people support them. I have heard several complaints about them. I have never heard complaints about LIVESTRONG. Until you have listened to Lance talk about cancer and cancer survivors and see him in person and know just how serious he is about this; until you have met people that work at LIVESTRONG and interacted with them; until you have used their services and seen how competent and caring the staff and LIVESTRONG partners are, you have no right to judge. You just don’t. Like I said, Lance is pretty much a nonissue with me – I love him as an athlete – physicologically, it’s been scientifically proven that his heart is larger, pumps more oxygen rich blood into his system and he processes lactic acid build-up in a way most people can’t. NO ONE trained harder than he did. No one. He is an animal. I’ve seen his training grounds on the Big Island and they are no joke. You can go from humid and 85 to below freezing and snow on the rides he does. But whether he cheated while racing is irrelevant to LIVESTRONG. It just doesn’t matter. *stepping off soapbox now*
DavidH-the 55 is a random number that my hubby liked when he was younger. :) I’m not 55. I actually look about 10 younger than I am. My maturity level is that of a 12-16 year old so… I love chocolate cake!! NOM! Tim from Team Fatty in Austin was a sweetheart and filled a cooler full of chocolate goodness and drinks for our little Team Fatty team in Austin last October. I do love a good apple pie. And you can’t beat homemade cake or pie! Maybe I’ll have both!
MattC-can’t wait to meet you and the other long-time Fatties! I was so sad that we didn’t have a big team in Austin. The folks we had were rockstars though I’m still a bit miffed that I never got to meet our famous Leverage writer (I’ve been watching show at the gym when I’m on the elliptical – love Tim Hutton). Mr Guyot, you better be in Davis to make up for not meeting us or sitting at our unofficial Team Fatty table in Austin! ;-) If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I’m really good at organizing events. I used to be a mentor and mentor captain for LLS and I coordinate our office MS150 bike team. We should start a Facebook page…(maybe I’ll do that) for Team Fatty Davis as a way for us to communicate more readily. I’m looking for a couch to crash on or maybe someone to room with in Davis. I have to go super cheap or the hubby will not be a happy man. Anyhow, I’ve once again overtyped. I am a chatty one.
Comment by KM | 01.13.2012 | 1:33 pm
This is a little strange to me. I didn’t think this would be such a polarizing issue. I accessed Livestrong a few years ago (2008) on behalf of a friend and it was very clear to me that the purpose of the services was to connect folks with resources not fund research.
The staff I interacted with were great and knew what they were doing. I’ll admit that as a Social Worker I probably was a bit more in tune with what they were trying to accomplish. The resources they sent me were great and I loved that I was able to refer some friends to their services when that bastard cancer entered into their lives.
I’m with KanyonKris on this, I don’t regret a single freakin dime I’ve donated to Livestrong. What I am surprised about is finding that folks still actually read Outside Magazine while it’s obvious that Dirt Rag is a far superior publication.
As for the dog collar thing. If we’re going to throw stones at Livestrong I guess we should chuck a few heavy ones in the direction of Specialized while we’re at it….
http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2012/01/motivation-and-litigation-american-way.html
Sorry, you’ll just have to wade through the 30,000 words BSNYC wrote before you get to the blurb but it’s worth it and entertaining as well, not as entertaining as this blog though….never.
Comment by Marco | 01.13.2012 | 1:44 pm
I had been looking for a way to combine a fun ride with some sort of fundraising event. I’m so glad I joined Team Fatty! Your post only reaffirms my confidence in LIVESTRONG. Looking forward to meeting you all in Davis.
Also, my apologies for those of you who received a donation request from me. When I set up my personal page I didn’t realize I included all of the tam members in my email. Sorry!
Comment by Samuel | 01.13.2012 | 1:47 pm
I completely disagree with Bill Gifford. I googled him in an attempt to find information on his background and why he has so much displaced anger towards Lance Armstrong. Maybe he wasn’t hugged enough as a child? Needless to say, I found nothing of interest in my search. Jealousy is a stinky cologne Bill.
Comment by lorianne | 01.13.2012 | 2:10 pm
What a wonderful and positive post Fatty. A great way to begin 2012!
Comment by 3d brian | 01.13.2012 | 2:39 pm
To me the value of LIVESTRONG has nothing to do whether Lance did or didn’t dope. Both the organization and Lance’s personal contribution to helping in the fight against cancer (the fight against cancer isn’t just research) are valid independent of whether or not Lance was involved with doping.
Love the “Do Good Things” mantra.
Comment by AKChick55 | 01.13.2012 | 2:41 pm
Okay, I created a Facebook page for Team Fatty Davis here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Fatty-LIVESTRONG-Davis/271783436216181 I don’t know if it will ask you to submit a friend request or how it will work – Like this page? In any case, it’s linked to my personal account. You can search for me, Sasha Prewitt. :) I’d LOVE to see folks congregate there for brainstorming. I sent the link to Elden so hopefully he’ll make it official by accepting.
Comment by Clydesteve | 01.13.2012 | 2:42 pm
So, I registered for the Davis ride in December. But i cannot figure how to join Team Fatty when you are already registered.
Any suggestions?
Comment by George | 01.13.2012 | 2:51 pm
Fatty –
Thanks for taking the high road in this issue.
As a survivor of colon cancer Livestrong was there for me when I had questions others simply couldn’t answer. I will continue to help the organization that helped me. I wish I could ride with Team Fatty in Davis this spring. Instead this cyclist will run the Denver Undy 5000 for Colon Cancer Alliance (awareness, not research).
And now for my soapbox stand – Please, anyone over fifty, please get yourself checked out.
Comment by AKChick55 | 01.13.2012 | 2:53 pm
@Clydesteve I’m not sure. I checked on my page to see if there was something obvious. I’d check with someone at LIVESTRONG. There is a contact form you can fill out. I also have a contact at LIVESTRONG that I can check with if you’d like.
Comment by TimD | 01.13.2012 | 3:12 pm
I think, as a few posters have said, that Livestrong could be clearer about their remit. I know what it is from Fatty, I wouldn’t know from their web page. as aChris says earlier, compare the Macmillan Nurses web page to the Livestrong one. For most of Fatty’s comps, I’ve not joined in, but given a contribution to Macmillan here in the UK, they were one of our charities of the year last year at work. They also looked after my wife’s granddad when he was dying of cancer 30 years ago.
On the Lance thing, I’m not overly bothered. If it turns out he was personally running a drug smuggling ring and forcing it on all his team, I think he should be treated as a drug trafficker. If he was just a user, so what, I don’t care. What benefit do I get from finding out?
Comment by Roger Whitney | 01.13.2012 | 3:19 pm
Amen Brother!!!!
Comment by Chris | 01.13.2012 | 3:50 pm
Slightly off topic but for the Austin Fatties: Speaking of helping people with cancer, one of my cycling teammates is in chemo right now and there will be a benefit for him and family at Salvage Vanguard theater (Jan. 14th). To make it a little more relevant to this thread, pretty sure that’s a LiveStrong shirt
http://web.me.com/rmaestas/adamsconcert/Welcome.html
Come’n out, it’ll be fun.
Comment by Colin | 01.13.2012 | 4:13 pm
Great post Fatty! My new credo will now be “Do something good today”.
Comment by kT | 01.13.2012 | 4:34 pm
Lance is guilty–of getting cancer, surviving it, and then using his position to both help and inspire a lot of other people who have gotten cancer. (Including my dad, who died of incurable brain cancer but read Lance’s book the day he got out of the hospital the first time and was inspired to fight as well as he could and to be part of research that may help others in the future.)
People are complicated, and sometimes people with actual personal flaws do really good things. We’re all flawed, but most of us aren’t famous, so most of our flaws don’t get such a wide audience.
Comment by Jeff Spencer | 01.13.2012 | 4:39 pm
Is it a good thing to spend $3.5 million on shipping t-shirts and call it a “Program Expense”?
Is it good to waste $6 million on a party?
Is it a good thing that donations are spent harassing journalists to keep them from publishing the truth?
If Livestrong is all about awareness then why do so many people think they are giving to cancer research….when they are actually funding the sale of t-shirts and big parties?
Comment by D. | 01.13.2012 | 4:43 pm
All that matters to Lance is Lance.
You’d be wise to distance yourself from him. You have enough mass now. And that redirection wouldn’t affect your ability to have an affect. It might even do more, actually; I won’t contribute a single dime to anything that has to do that cheater. But I read your blog, huh?
Comment by RodNeeds2Ride | 01.13.2012 | 5:47 pm
Davis is in California!
Comment by Dave | 01.13.2012 | 7:17 pm
I just stopped by RadioShack on the way home from work, and when I went to pay the credit-card machine asked me if I wanted to “donate $1 to Livestrong to support cancer research.”
Why? Was it just a rhetorical question? If they’re not funding research why ask that?
Comment by Kimberly | 01.13.2012 | 11:17 pm
I am embarrassed by the nasty vitriol via Twitter, various online sources & Cycling forums (VeloNews has nothing on the Cyclingnews forum-clinic) that has infected the net. The concerted effort to injure an organization because of prejudice for one man is grotesque and quite frankly hypocritical. The constant belittling of those the organization has served and it’s workers is sickening.
Your blog post was given typical snarky mention on CN forum but I thank you for writing your reflective message. It’s one we should all think about and strive to do in our daily lives. Concern yourself with how YOU lead your life and the examples YOU set. Don’t let the sourness of others rule your life. Those are some of the messages I gleaned from your post Eldon.
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 01.14.2012 | 1:22 am
@Rodneedstoride Looking for information on the Tour de Donut. I intend to take my kids to Utah for donuts in July. My son needs to race Bucky (unfortunately my son doesn’t know that yet). Wife#1 is already asking if there are hotels/motels in Alpine, and if not where should us ‘out of towners’ bed down.
As for the comments today, I believe the overwhelming opinion is Cancer Sucks!! How and what we do personally to help fight it gets back to Fatty’s blog for today:
DO SOMETHING GOOD!/DO GOOD THINGS!
Thank you Fatty for keeping us on track.
Comment by Bicycle Bill | 01.14.2012 | 3:30 am
Don’t worry about Bill Gifford and the rest of the haters, Fatty. As redneck comic Ron White might say, you can’t fix stupid.
Comment by Cykler | 01.14.2012 | 9:20 am
Great Post :) Quite spot on. Will take a look at all the other great stuff you write about fatty
Comment by The FORMER 560 Pound, Cyclist | 01.14.2012 | 11:14 am
Superb Post Fatty
Comment by Clydesteve | 01.14.2012 | 1:31 pm
@Akchick55 – thanks – I ended up writing Dylan Trakas. I will post when he gets back to me.
Comment by Skippy | 01.14.2012 | 2:07 pm
Great SHAME that this failed Journo and his smear article is getting any publicity and that the story appears to be going viral ! Last time he tried this gig on he succeeded in getting his 15secs of fame but after I got thru the first page decided the rest was a load of repeato ! How many more journo failures are out there ?
Comment by ABQKenny | 01.14.2012 | 6:19 pm
Excellent post, Fatty! Very well stated. Thanks for all the good you do!
Comment by Tim | 01.14.2012 | 6:36 pm
…just don’t tell me that you don’t do cancer research either, that’ll break my heart. I mean, how else can one do good things without doing cancer research, yourself…
Comment by Andrew friar | 01.14.2012 | 6:43 pm
Fatty great post.
Here in Australia we call it the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ when a community or media go out to cut down those more successful than themselves. It’s unfortunate that so much negativity exists towards Lance and detracts from the good he has done, even if it is simply inspiring people to be active.
I am a cycling fan in general and find the whole scenario frustrating as it appears we love the melodrama of drugs, politics, rumor and innuendo. this is what I like about fatty’s site there is none of that bollocks.
Do hope Lance see’s your message, I imagine he needs a positive boost himself at times.
Cheers
Andrew
PS – when is the hundred miles to no where I’ve got people lined up to do this with this year.
Comment by sans auto | 01.14.2012 | 7:41 pm
I’m generally a skeptic. I participated in a Relay for Life years ago and it rubbed me wrong. It was about raising money and while there were lots of well intentioned people, there was enough hot dogs, smoke breaks and other counter productive activities that it left me wondering. It just seems more about raising money than about preventing or curing cancer. I wish I didn’t have that impression, but it’s there and it’s stuck.
I see stuff about Livestrong and I always think of what they did for Fatty to help him manage the system and helped him through a battle with cancer. I have a completely positive impression of Livestrong and I think it is entirely due to the impression that Fatty leaves. I wonder if Lance knows how important Fatty is to his image?
Thanks Fatty, it’s a pleasure as always.
Comment by AKChick55 | 01.14.2012 | 9:23 pm
@Clydesteve, Dylan is my contact at LIVESTRONG! He is AWESOME! :) I’m sure he’ll be able to help you out. Def. post what he says so that others that may be in the same predicament know what to do. :)
Comment by Heather | 01.14.2012 | 9:50 pm
Love this post, Eldon. Thanks.
Comment by BillCan | 01.15.2012 | 12:14 am
Just signed up for Livestrong Davis as the newest member of Team Fatty. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of the Team Fatty fundraising juggernaut.
Comment by Jonni | 01.15.2012 | 12:53 am
Thanks for supporting Livestrong and Armstrong. I am now dealing with a 17yo family member that is fighting cancer. Her and I just shaved our heads, her because she had lost most of her hair, me, to do something good. For her to have someone say, it’s just hair and it will grow back. We have so many ways to do good for people, and I love the idea of just do something good, everyday…..
Comment by MattC | 01.15.2012 | 4:55 pm
Uhm, sorry this is SO off topic, but I JUST SAY A FATTY (rockin’ the 2012 Twin Six Team Fatty jersey) riding down College Ave here in Santa Maria CA, Sunday, @2:30pm! I have NEVER before seen another Fatty here! If that was you, drop me an email at mchapek@verizon.net so we can ride sometime!
And on ANOTHER off topic subject, to the UK Fatties: I’ll be flying out a week from Monday and staying in Harrogate (West Yorkshire) for THREE MONTHS! I’ve already shipped my road bike, and will be looking for places to ride & people to ride with! Drop me an email @ the above email address PLEASE if you are in the area and don’t mind showing a Yank around some (disclaimer: I’m not exactly in my best form right now…but I’m willing to suffer). I’ll have a car so will be able to make some reasonable road trips to hook up for rides.
Comment by MattC | 01.15.2012 | 4:56 pm
oh rats…that was supposed to be “I JUST SAW A FATTY”…dang it…Fatty…we NEED edit capability for our comments (in case you should ever have some spare time).
Comment by bob | 01.15.2012 | 8:06 pm
@Kimberly: Your post reminded me why I haven’t been to CyclingNews in over a year. The amount of unfounded and ignorant hatred and vitriol in the forums there made me sick and I haven’t missed CN one little bit.
Comment by Jeremy | 01.15.2012 | 11:59 pm
I am reminded of the saying: We are never as good as our best day and never as bad as our worst. Humans, at best, are flawed animals and all we can do is do good every day. (Or as the Scouts say, “Do a good turn daily.”)
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 01.16.2012 | 1:40 am
@MattC Hail Britannia! I hope you’ll be posting pictures of Fatty on Tour (the jersey version)! Use your powers of Yank Persuasion. Let’s see that Jersey at Stonehenge, Tower Bridge, and the changing of the Guard.
Snaps (and extra pie for you at Davis) for a picture of you punting your bike on the River Thames!!!
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 01.16.2012 | 1:40 am
@MattC That’s Oxford, by the way.
Comment by Doug (Way upstate NY) | 01.16.2012 | 9:17 am
There are many things that would make the world a better place. Doing something good, is one easy thing.
Comment by Louutah | 01.16.2012 | 3:54 pm
Your loyalty to Armstrong is mis-guided and I predict that it will come to an end in the near future.
With you being a Utah resident and the Huntsman Cancer Institute in your backyard, I would like to see you support an honorable organization such as them.
The cloud over Livestrong is growing and its days numbered, as evidenced by the declining donations.
You blog had been an inspiration to many, I wish the best for you but will choose another charity to support and feel confident that my donations and time are being well spent.
I actually already do support the HCI. – FC
Comment by Chemobuddy | 01.16.2012 | 7:18 pm
I’m afraid Lance wasted his time inviting Bill Gifford to see what Livestrong is about, as his mind was clearly made up about Livestrong, and completely closed to the good work that they do.
Thanks for the post Fatty. We love ya up here in Canada.
Comment by Mateo | 01.16.2012 | 7:22 pm
Whew, I was so drained by the annoying pompsity of that Outside article (does Outside know it doesn’t “matter” anymore?), thanks for weighing in Fatty and restating what Livestrong is all about. If people do not know what they are giving to, they should get educated…not twisted by a journalist with a righeous attitude against Lance.
Comment by niki mathias | 01.17.2012 | 12:28 pm
Hi Fatty,
I’m working closely with friends who have cancer to do something good. Something very good. All to benefit LiveStrong. I sent you an email with details on Friday, Janury 13 – I hope you received that!
Cheers,
== niki mathias
Comment by plutosdad | 01.18.2012 | 9:07 am
What is up in Chicago? Are you going to hang out with some readers (I mean at a pub or something, not biking :) not for me at least, I am pretty slow with my heavy jacket and ski goggles and studded tire MTB). If there is a plan I am up for it! my email is attached to my name here.
If you are around Friday morning, at Daley Plaza we’re having “Winter bike to work day” During the summer this is fun, with speakers and swag. Not sure what they are doing this week, but I assume it will be similar to the summer event. Here is a link to it:
http://www.thechainlink.org/events/winter-bike-to-work-day-2012
Comment by Erik S | 01.18.2012 | 2:26 pm
I can’t comment directly on LiveStrong’s support network , but it seems to me they did an excellent job supporting Fatty. I respect and recognize that Elden wants to do anything and everything he can to ‘pay it forward’, and give back to LiveStrong so they can continue to get support and help to those people struggling through the maze of insurance, treatments, and pain that is a cancer diagnosis.
To me, LiveStrong seemed overly commercial at the time of my wife’s diagnosis. Maybe that’s just a function of the local staff, or how I was exposed to it / Comeback 2.0. My wife and I received a ton of support through local groups and YSC, which wasn’t around at the time of Fatty’s need. I’m sure you’ll find me espousing and fundraising for YSC for quite some time. Perhaps some of this is selfish, as I have two young daughters and a young wife facing lifetimes of breast cancer screenings, etc.
One thing I think that LiveStrong has done, which is no small feat is to greatly publicize make fighting cancer an active endeavor. Lance, and LiveStrong by extension espouse getting back out and living, and strengthening yourself and your body so that it can have a better chance of fighting disease, rather than sitting around and bemoaning your predicament. To me this is a great source of strength for people trying to just get back on the bike or just back into exercising.
Comment by Tom Halliday | 01.18.2012 | 2:43 pm
Can’t agree more. Cancer research is great but helps very very few of those with cancer now, they need support and care now. Keep doing those good things Fatty, you are an inspiration to us all.
Comment by Ben | 01.18.2012 | 7:52 pm
Here’s my issue and it’ a simple one. Compare Ulman Cancer Fund for young adults and what it has accomplished in 12 years on about 7 Million in total intake verses what LiveStrong has done in it’s years on it’s intake (many times what UCF brings). The Ulman in Ulman Cancer Fund? That’s DOUG ULMAN of Livestrong. It’s what he started before he went to Livestrong. And it has provided nearly as much cancer navigation, given out college scholarships, and supported sports all on less. The difference? No Lance Armstrong. Bill Gifford didn’t directly say it in his piece but the estimate of Lances expenditures through livestrong are likely on the tune of 60%. Its relatively easy to piece together.
Finally, who is to say cancer research isnt helping people right now? The cancer research of 10 years ago is helping people right now. So the cancer research of right now is helping older you, and your children. Think of that.
Comment by Jay | 01.27.2012 | 1:51 pm
I’ve got to preface this by saying I’m not anti Lance, or anti Livestrong, but your take on cancer research is limited.
Research is indeed helping people with cancer. I should know. In 2002, I lost part of my leg to cancer. In early 2011, it was discovered that it was now in my lungs. The only hope I have of living is an experimental treatment being researched by the NIH. I’m the first person ever on the protocol. I’ll view it as a success if I’m alive this time next year. And if I am, it will all be due to research.