"Wear Yellow Live Strong"

Wear Yellow Live Strong

By Callie Gillock

Every year millions of people around the world are affected by cancer. On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong – one of the world’s best cyclists – was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Armstrong, like many others, ignored the warning signs of cancer. By the time Armstrong received the diagnosis, his cancer had already spread to his lungs, brain and abdomen. Unaware of what the future would hold, Lance Armstrong created the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which is now known as LIVESTRONG, is a foundation that donates 81 cents of every dollar raised to services for cancer survivors as well as support for LIVESTRONG programs. In May 2004, the foundation teamed up with Nike and created the LIVESTRONG bracelet. The yellow bracelet is a part of the educational program “Wear Yellow Live Strong”. The program was created in an effort to raise awareness and money for cancer research. To date, there have been over 70 million bracelets sold worldwide. Since the foundation began in 1997, it has raised more than $325 million.

Marking the anniversary of Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis, every October 2 LIVESTRONG day has been dedicated to a global day of action. The worldwide event is to bring people together and wear yellow to honor people affected by cancer. People all over the world are invited to create their own LIVESTRONG event throughout the month of October. Nearly 1,142 events in 832 cities spanning over 65 countries have already been created.

The LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign brings together millions of people nation wide working together to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Picture Source: Nashmaximus