I am a sports fan. A former tomboy that grew up with a passion for competition and an admiration for those that have crafted their god-given talents to play at the highest level in their respective sports. I watch sports, I read about sports, and I have read about Lance Armstrong for years.
In October of 2012, the International Cycling Union (UCI) officially stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles and all results since August 1 1998. Since then, I have continued to wear my Livestrong bracelet because in my mind, I support the cause; not the man. Believing my $1 purchase was my small way to help promote Cancer research and treatment, why wouldn’t I continue to wear it? After all, Armstrong had fought his own battle against Cancer, and won; albeit with the assistance drugs that were still in the testing phase and most people could never afford to try, but none the less, he beat the big C.
With the admission by Armstrong that he took performance-enhancing drugs while competing in the Tour de France (even before he was diagnosed with Cancer); it is easy to turn my admiration away from an admitted cheater. I cannot support an arrogant selfish person after his adamant denials and subsequent bullying of those who tried to be expose his corruption within the cycling world. Not many would.
But the question of my Livestrong bracelet seems to be a topic again.
I have had numerous friends ask me if I will keep wearing my Livestrong bracelet after Armstrong’s admission… simply put, No; not anymore. I still support funding Cancer research and treatment, but not the name – Livestrong.
At first I bought the bracelet to show other people, HEY I support Cancer research – let’s find a cure. Now, I wear the bracelet as my reminder. Every few days, once a month, once every few months… when I think I’m having a bad day because I lost out on a job, or I can’t afford to splurge on things for my family, my body aches from, well… everything – I look at that bracelet. It’s my reminder that no matter what kind of day I’m having… someone else is having a worse day. Someone else is going to their chemo treatment, or radiation, or sitting in their oncologist office hearing the words, you have cancer, or the cancer has spread, or there’s nothing more we can do but make you comfortable. The bracelet reminds me to keep my priorities straight and not sweat the little things that irk us.
Now when I look at the Livestrong bracelet, it reminds me of Lance, and how his priorities were completely messed up. And unfortunately the foundation will forever be associated with him. And it’s just not worth worrying about. There are plenty of other good Cancer fundraising organizations such as Stand Up To Cancer, or the Jimmy V Foundation, whose organization gives 100% of donations to fund cancer research. I wear the V Foundation bracelet. I have for quite a few years. Their motto, Don’t Give Up, Don’t Ever Give Up is printed on their bracelets… and it reminds me to keep my priorities straight when I get a little off track
I am a sports fan. A former tomboy that grew up with a passion for competition and an admiration for those that have crafted their god-given talents to play at the highest level in their respective sports. I watch sports, I read about sports, and I have read about Lance Armstrong for years.
