Lance Armstrong Foundation

At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we inspire and empower people affected by cancer. We believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. We provide the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. We take aim at the gaps between what is known and what is done to prevent suffering and death due to cancer. We unite people to fight cancer and pursue an agenda focused on:
 
* Prevention
* Access to screening and care
* Improvement of the quality of life for cancer survivors
* Investment in research
 
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Austin, Texas.
 
 
The Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation
 
We believe in life. Your life. We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being. And that you must not let cancer take control of it. We believe in energy: channeled and fierce. We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything. This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed. We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage. We believe in your right to live without pain. We believe in information. Not pity. And in straight, open talk about cancer. With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with. This is no time to pull punches. You’re in the fight of your life. We’re about the hard stuff. Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion. And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes. We’re about getting smart about clinical trials. And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends. It’s your life. You will have it your way. We’re about the practical stuff. Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers. It’s knowing your rights. It’s your life. Take no prisoners. We’re about the fight. We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs. And we know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life. This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.
 
LIVESTRONG™
 
 
Milestones 10 Years of the Lance Armstrong Foundation
 
1996 At age 25, Lance Armstrong is one of the world's best cyclists, winning the World Championships, the Tour de Pont, and multiple Tour de France stages. On October 2, he is diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer which spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain. Lance declares himself a survivor - not a victim - and takes an active role in educating himself about his disease. Armed with knowledge, support and confidence in medicine he undergoes aggressive treatment and beats the disease.
 
1997 Lance establishes the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The LAF hosts its inaugural fundraising cycling race.
 
1998 The LAF awards its first research grant. The LAF hosts its inaugural fundraising gala.
 
1999 In one of the greatest comeback stories of all time, Lance wins cycling's most grueling race less than three years after being diagnosed with cancer. By accomplishing what most thought was impossible, Lance inspires cancer survivors around the world. The LAF establishes the Founder's Circle for donors who give $500,000 and more. The LAF establishes its grassroots fundraising initiative with 150 participants.
 
2000 The LAF funds cancer survivorship programs at Cook Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth, TX, and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
 
2001 The LAF awards its first community program grant to Wonders and Worries in Austin, Texas.
 
2002 The LAF launches its community program to fund survivorship programs in Central Texas. Lance is appointed to the President's Cancer Panel.
 
2003 The LAF's community program expands nationwide and funds programs focused on physical activity, adolescents/young adults and survivorship education. The Lance Armstrong Foundation Endowment is established. LIVESTRONG.org is launched as an online resource for cancer survivors. The LAF receives a 5-year cooperative agreement with the Centers or Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address cancer survivorship in medically underserved populations.
 
2004 The LAF launches LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare. The LIVESTRONG wristband and Wear Yellow Live Strong campaign begin. The LAF's community program begins focus on palliative and end-of-life care programs and awards first multi-year grants. The LAF awards its first Young Investigator research grants. The LAF releases the National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship with the CDC. The LAF hosts the inaugural Community Program Conference, Building a Community of Hope. The LAF receives a 4-Star Charity Navigator ranking, with more than 80% of LAF expenses invested in mission-related activities and grants. The LAF hosts its inaugural LIVESTRONG Day. The LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebook is introduced. The LAF establishes its national partnerships program with other leading cancer organizations.
 
2005 The LAF sells more than 55 million wristbands. 7,200 grassroots fundraisers raise more than $7 million for the LAF. The LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence Network is established with five centers and 15 community affiliates. The LAF hosts the LIVESTRONG Ride in Portland. The LAF hosts the LIVESTRONG Gala in New York City. The LAF reaches out to underserved populations through the Living After Cancer Treatment brochure series. The LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance is established. The LAF awards $500,000 to assist survivors affected by Hurricane Katrina.
 
2006 The LAF hosts the inaugural LIVESTRONG Summit. Four additional populations are added to Living After Cancer Treatment brochure series. The LAF releases the report, Closing the Gap: Research and Care Imperatives for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute. 100 cancer advocates from all 50 states in Washington, D.C., and participants in more than 120 local events across the country urge Congress to make funding for cancer research and programs a national priority on LIVESTRONG Day. The LAF launches the LIVESTRONG Challenge with runs, walks and rides in 5 cities across the nation.