Volunteered, fundraised and donated to this org for well over a decade, then the CEO & Board lied about how they were using donations & committed $50 million to help build a medical school at the University of Texas. Feels like fraud when you collect money claiming to use it as direct help for cancer survivors then do something totally different. Would never give to an org that does that.
Review from Guidestar
31 years ago Jeri was a single Mom with a temporary job and a lump in her neck that seemed to grow a little each week. There was no one to talk to, no resources to access, and no help anywhere. She had to wait to get a full time job and then wait through the "probationary" period to even go see a Doctor. During this time she often wondered if she was going to leave her kids orphans. (Actually she assumed she would but tried not to think about it.)
Fortunately her Thyroid Cancer was a nonaggressive type that was treated with surgery and a little radiated iodine. Today Jeri is the healthy mother of 4 adult kids, three grand kids, and my wife.
While I got involved in LiveSTRONG over a decade ago because I like to bicycle, (I had no idea back then that there could be this much pain, suffering, and heroism outside a war or natural disaster.) it was Jeri's comment this past winter that caused us to really turn up our efforts. "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I did over 30 years ago. Since LiveSTRONG has been around there is now a resource ANYONE can tap into for for help with ANY form of this disease. We must help this organization! No one should have to do it alone."
Review from #MyGivingStory
25 Rides for LIVESTRONG
On October 18, 2015, I completed my twenty-fifth Team LIVESTRONG bike ride and brought my twelve-year fundraising total — to help people affected by cancer right now — to more than $230,000.
In 2003 and 2005, I was treated for testicular cancer. In November 2013, I lost my wife Judy to multiple myeloma, cancer of her blood plasma, less than three months from her diagnosis. The LIVESTRONG organization and community have been there for my family every step of the way.
I’ve cycled twelve times in Austin, Texas, nine times in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, twice in New York City, once in Seattle, Washington, and for a full week across the state of Iowa in RAGBRAI. The more I see people served, the more my own contributions continue to grow. More than endurance athletic events, these rides offer the chance to show ourselves and the world that we're bigger than cancer.
I have LIVESTRONG friends all over the planet. When I travel, I can count on meeting them from San Diego, to Chicago to Boston to Ireland. It has been a delight to have several visit me in my own community and home and especially moving to feel their continual presence through kind words and constant contact during my wife’s struggle. Their energy, resilience, and optimism inspire me.
Every day, I'm reminded of what cancer takes from us, but I couldn't be more grateful for what LIVESTRONG has given me. It's my responsibility and honor to give in return.
Review from #MyGivingStory
Previous Stories
After my cancer diagnosis, the Lance Armstrong Foundation turned everything around. More than a disease, I gained a cause: to unite against cancer with others who refuse to go down without a fight and who know we're stronger together. The LIVESTRONG movement is growing, and anyone is welcome to be part of it through athletic events and community action. The LAF offers direct one-on-one support throughout the cancer journey, a school curriculum to change how kids think about cancer, research and community grants, and a global campaign to eliminate cancer around the world. Founded by Lance Armstrong and led by three-time cancer survivor Doug Ulman, this organization really is changing the world for the better.
I have had family members with cancer and friends with cancer, some survived and some did not. The LAF is there for all cancer patients and provides resources for patients and their families. LAF is a true gift to those struggling with cancer. The best part is that LAF is not limited to any one kind of cancer, they help everyone!!!
I know that the money goes to a good cause, and its inspiring to be part of the solution. It is great to be part of so many others.
Put in a great deal of time and effort here over the years. Very well known organization has many many many followers.
I started volunteering for the LAF back in 1999 when my best friend was diagnosed with cancer. She lived in Houston and I was in Austin. I wanted to do something that would let her know that she was not fighting this battle alone and I needed to know that I was doing something to help her and other cancer patients. It is a very helpless feeling knowing that your friend or family member is ill and all you can do is hold their hand and say a prayer. I needed to do more! So my work began with the Foundation. The Foundation was very young and had a small staff, small office and few volunteers. It has been amazing to watch this organization grow. The Foundation has made everyone aware of cancer and that there is life after cancer. The words "cancer survivor" and "Livestrong" are now part of our everyday lives. The staff and volunteers of the LAF are fighting and working hard to obliterate this horrible disease and to improve the lives of people "living with, through and beyond cancer". I feel honored to be able to work with this organization and the wonderful group of people who call themselves the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Dear my family and friends that made a difference in the global fight against cancer: On behalf of myself and the 12 million Americans living with cancer, I thank you for your generous donation. The money you gave helped me reach my goal and will help further the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s mission of inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer. Your donation along with all those that responded to my e-mail to in the end raise $1,300.00 will provides information packets to offer support, inspiration and hope to the cancer patient and his or her family. In addition, cancer survivorship information and worksheets to organize the patient's fight against cancer. Moreover, a cancer survivor one-on-one direct support through the LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare program, and LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebooks. As a whole raising $1310.00 far surpassing my original goal of $750.00 is an incredible about of money that will mean a world to all the people that will benefit from this money. In terms of the event itself it was an experience that I will not soon forget, because of how much more it was than just simply a bike race. The weather was calm and cool at the start, and in the afternoon heated up to the high 80's. When I took the line I did not know if I would have the power, strength, and determination to go the century, but what I did know was I was out with the City of San Jose to support a great cause and to honor and ride for my Grandma (Bonnie Zillgitt) and my beloved biology teacher Mrs. Acquistapace. For the first nine miles of the race the entire field was escorted by the San Jose Police Department at a speed of 20 miles per hour. I quickly got out hard and rode well and with the lead pack. Slowly I settled into the middle and took the last stop before I would have to make the decision of going 65 miles or 100 miles. The rest stop which were ever 10-15 miles along side the course was where cyclists could go to the bathroom, have a powerbar, fruit, trailmix, gummy bars, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The stops were vitally important and the volunteers and supporters at the stops and in general were incredible, a huge shout out and hats off to them for making the event run so smoothly and in great spirits and excitement. As I approached the 65 miles to the left or 100 miles straight ahead I told myself that I was ready for the 100 miles and thought about who I was riding for, and why I was out here and chose the path less traveled which was the 100 mile course. However, 15 miles after I had past the sign fatigue, stiffness, spasms, and general soreness was starting to takes its toll and I inevitably had to give myself a pep talk not only to preserver through adversity but to represent my family and friends who have had cancer. The talk was enough to finish ahead of quite a few of my teammates on team spartan and finish in 7 hours and 39 minutes. When I crossed the line after having ridden 100 miles I was filled with elation and I did not shy away from raising my hands in emotion and achievement. I will cherish this moment for a life time because I think it is only the start of greater things to come. During the event and post race festivities I could not help but be engulfed in the community of cancer. Though this disease may be hell the amount of people to lean on for support, care, guidance, knowledge, and to uplift your spirits is one incredible community which is the cancer community. The LiveSTRONG Challenge was engulfed with the cancer community and it was a pleasure to see it first hand. On Sunday July 12, 2009 I will not only take away a bike ride that was filled with decisions and emotions and in the end triumph but also was getting to talk to all of the participants and learning their connection to cancer So many of them had bibs on their jerseys that read “In Honor Of,” or “In Memory Of.” I pray and will continue to pray for all those that have to deal with the grind of chemotherapy. As Lance Armstrong says ““Anything is possible. You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight.” “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” I couldn’t have participated in this event without your generosity and support, and I can’t thank you enough for all that you gave. You have made a difference in the global fight against cancer! With love and thanks, Russell Zillgitt
I started volunteering with the Lance Armstrong Foundation in May 2008 upon my relocation to Austin, TX. I contacted the LAF and they immediately and professionally responded and started my application. I do several projects for the LAF, including office work, database maintenance and the Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge. It is obvious that the LAF recruits, attracts and retains the TOP talent in its leaders, associates, employees, advocates, volunteers and partners, etc. This strength in talent along with the team's incredible belief in the LAF's solid mission makes the difference at the LAF. The LAF continues to stay strong, even when the economy has been soft. The LAF's programs are incredible, thus bringing more exposure to the mission. The LAF is breaking more ground now on a global basis to continue its mission to wipe out cancer. Moreover, the LAF does an incredible job with its staff and volunteers during the LIVESTRONG Challenges -- The events are superior. As a volunteer, I am treated as one of the family. At the LAF office, the enviornment is so friendly and welcoming. The kindness and strong belief in the LIVESTRONG mission is what makes the HUGE DIFFERENCE at the LAF. LIVE STRONG, Cherri LAF Volunteer
It's really GLOBAL! in Italy, too, where there is no culture for volunteer, nor for cancer awareness, nor for info support through the web
Having Cancer in our family makes you face things in life you would prefer not to at all. So you look for support to get thru the bad spots and remember the good ones. There are many good groups out there and Livestrong helps in many ways. They help you put so much in perspective in many ways. To watch the videos out there of so many people fighting this beast makes you proud to be human. We are like the 3 Musketeers, wether we are survivors, care takers,family, medical people or just friends...we are one for all and all for one. We will beat this and having Livestrong there to help lead the way makes the future brighter.
My wife is a volunteer and as such, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the people who have dedicated their lives to making living and dying with cancer an experience with hope, understanding and acceptance. The people whom I have meet have one goal - to make the lives of those dealing with cancer better. The LAF provides hope. There is no higher purpose.
I have volunteered for seven years and I love what the foundation has done for so many people. When my friend had a terminal brain tumor Lance's story inspired her so much she kept a picture of him on her bathroom mirror to remind her to be strong. Her goal was go get better so she could volunteer and when she passed away I started volunteering in her honor but what I never realized is how many people from all walks of life get cancer in their lifetimes. Livestrong is there from the beginning whether it is to provide valuable information or just a word of encouragement. There has also been millions of dollars raised that have gone towards valuable research and programs. The employees, many of whom are survivors themselves, work tirelessly toward making a difference in the fight against cancer and that is truly inspirational.
Livestrong is an amazing organisation. It is almost a "life-bible". It provides every kind of resource needed to obtain and maintain a healthy life. It offers support in a way I haven't found in any other charity. It gave me and my family a good, strong and priceless focus when my dad was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He is doing great he's cancer-free and he lives-strong.
The LAF has inspired millions of people all over the world to come together and fight this disease in all it forms. The don't "just" focuson treatment but also on life after cancer and the problems that brings people. They bring hope to so many through Lance but also through the great staff at the LAF. They always have time to listen and help with problems and support who ever asks for that.
Having an opportunity to volunteer for LAF has touched my life in a more ways than I'd ever imagined it would. I started volunteering here as a way to honor my parents, who I lost to cancer, and also to give back to others affected by the disease. What I didn't know at the time, was what a missing piece of the puzzle that the LAF provides to those dealing with cancer! More than just raising money to help in the fight against cancer, they provide some outstanding resources globally to those affected by cancer who need extra support to deal with the disease and also for health professionals to improve their service to the cancer community. They've played a huge role in destigmatizing the disease and putting a spotlight on how great life can be after fighting cancer and winning through their survivorship outreach. Besides this, they are currently working to organize a global summit with professionals from all across the world, where people can join forces and broaden the fight against cancer in even the most remote locations. It is so inspiring to know that I am part of this cause! It is obvious when you enter the Livestrong headquarters how genuinely passionate everyone who works here is about their role. As a weekly concierge volunteer, I know that I am ultimately making a HUGE difference in the lives of others. I actually get a little choked up when thinking about it sometimes, because if it weren't for the LAF, there would be a lot of people left feeling helpless in their fight against cancer. I am excited to see how far reaching their impact will be in the future, and how much it will surely prove to change the direction of thousands and thousands of people's lives in years to come!
The Lance Armstrong Foundation continues to inspire people around the United States and the world. When my grandfather was dying of cancer, the support that I received from the Livestrong organization was invaluable to me. Not only did I get medical advice but I got emotional support during his final days and after he passed on.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation continues to push the cancer question into the public forum, through both the widespread visibility of its founder and the behind-the-curtain work ethic of its experienced and passionate staff, volunteers, and constituents. Besides helping thousands in need throughout the world, and raising tens of millions of dollars for the Fight Against Cancer, the LAF remains at the forefront of cancer organizations looking to make cancer history.
I participated this year in the Livestrong Challenge in San Jose. Wow! That was so moving, so well-organized and my close friend, recovering from brain surgery after his cancer came back was very, very touched. He also appreciated the swag! That is the first baseball style cap I have ever had that fit. It covered his baseball looking surgical scars well too. He was encouraged all the way around by the efforts.
When I first heard the word "you have cancer" I thought it was a death wish. Then when I began to research my specific type on the web it only seemed to reconfirm the death wish. However the one shining light was the LIVESTRONG website. The positive message, the tools for survivors, and images and stories of survivors left me with the understanding that this was not a death wish and that it was time to fight. Happy to say I am over a year cancer free, I have been able to volunteer and just recently participated in LIVESTONG's great Challenge event, and loving life.
On 16th May 2000 I heard the words "Unfortunately, when we talk about your condition we have to use the word 'cancer'. In your case it's Testicular Cancer. I want you in hospital tomorrow morning, the theatre is booked for 4pm for the necessary surgery to remove the cancerous testicle, and on 29th May you'll start chemotherapy....." Wow! hardly begins to cover my reaction. I wanted GOOD information ... and fast! Through the Lance Armstrong website I found exactly the information I so desperately needed. I've seen the LAF grow from basically a one-man crusade to the Number 1 national and international advocate against this horrible, nasty disease. This organisation is just SO worthy of support, your money or your time/effort will not be wasted - it will go straight to the battle against cancer. I really could NOT overstate just how worthy the LAF is of support ... it's No 1, plain and simple, no ifs buts or ands ... it just IS !
The Lance Armstrong Foundation has provided me with a conduit to channel my rage, my energy and my desire to LiveSTRONG during my battle to overcome my Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Since my diagnosis in May of 2000, through numerous treatments, 2 relapses and now being cancer-free for 1 year, the LAF has been there. Events such as The LiveSTRONG Challenge and The Ride for the Roses have provided a means of celebrating life and uniting with cancer warriors from all over the country and the world to show our strength in this fight. By embracing the LiveSTRONG lifestyle, I have become an avid cyclist, and have ridden thousands of miles during treatment and with active cancer. It is what has gotten me through the past 9 years. Founded by cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, both the man and the people who work in the organization provide inspiration to all of us to work tirelessly to rid the world of cancer.
I attended the LIVESTRONG Summit, sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They brought together 1000 leaders in the fight against cancer-- from researchers to fundraisers to advocates. I was truly inspired by the event; my experience was invaluable to my work. I really appreciate what the Foundation has done to unite advocates in the endeavor of making cancer a national priority.