Lance Armstrong Foundation provides support and advocacy for people with cancer

Jan 5, 2010

Lance Armstrong’s story inspires hope and inspiration for millions of people dealing with cancer. At the age of 25, just as his star was rising in the sport of competitive cycling, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer that had spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain. Not only did he beat the cancer through aggressive treatment, but he went on to become the greatest cyclist of all time, winning an unprecedented seven Tour de France competitions.

But this isn’t the story of Lance Armstrong and his athletic prowess—it is of Lance Armstrong the advocate and the organization he founded in 1997—well before he knew whether he would survive his cancer and live to make cycling history.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation works to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. It does so through a number of services, such as providing practical information about cancer to patients and caregivers and offering support to patients and their families. The foundation also supports grassroots advocacy efforts to increase cancer awareness, treatment options and research through initiatives at the local, national and global levels. Lance’s recent re-entry into competitive cycling with the mission to help raise cancer awareness through the Global Cancer Campaign is but one example of his and the foundation’s efforts to advocate for cancer patients internationally. See related article.

Support services

The Lance Armstrong Foundation provides a variety of services free of charge in both English and Spanish to people and families dealing with cancer. These services include:

• counseling and referrals to local resources;
• help with addressing financial, employment, and insurance issues;
• information on clinical trials;
• on-line and telephone support groups;
• information on resources for financial assistance;
• help with access to needed treatment;
• assistance with insurance denials and appeals;
• assistance with applications to federal ad state programs;
• information about diagnosis and treatment; and
• tips on effective communication with doctors and loved ones.

For more information about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, to seek assistance, to support the organization’s grass root initiatives or to make a donation,visit www.livestrong.org.

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