COMMERCIAL OF THE YEAR

I saw a commercial the other day and not only did it touch my heart but it was one I will never forget! Commercial The LiveStrong band gliding across the TV screen linked to hundreds of them. Then you start to hear Voice Overs (V/O).


(V/O) I am 25 and I have cancer
(V/O) I am 19 and I had cancer
(V/O) I am 30 and a cancer survivor
(V/O) I am 27 and I have cancer
(V/O) of Lance Armstrong - Behind every band is a story ... tell us yours.

The commercial was short / sweet / simple and to the point!! I WAS SO AMAZED AND TAKEN AWAY BY IT!! For everyone who knows someone who has cancers, survived it, or passed on from it totally got this commercial!!!

SHARE YOUR STORY > Share Your Story - Share Your Story <
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Everyone always ask me why I sport the yellow band everywhere I go, why I feel the way that I do about cancer, and why I look up to Lance Armstrong so much

My mom fought cancer for 19 months and in many way even though she is not with us anymore in my heart she won the battle. She fought till the end, and died a brave woman!! She was my hero and also my best friend!! So for that I owe her to not only tell her story but support the cause!!

What I admire about Lance is his incredible inspiration to people from all walks of life, and he has lifted the spirits of those who face life's challenges, He is a true champion!!
Everyone has heard about Lance Armstrong's victorious fight against cancer, and his subsequent climb to the pinnacle of the bicycle-racing world, in his book It's Not About the Bike. What people see in him is Lance's positive attitude, his take-charge approach, his refusal to accept defeat -- his desire not only to live but to live victoriously -- was impressive, motivating, educational and invaluable to me in how he proved, by the doing of it, how one can face such enormous obstacles and overcome such seemingly insurmountable challenges.
To me his determination, focus and willingness to invest everything he has towards achieving his goals -- both immediate and longer range -- is truly remarkable and inspiring. I have so much respect for the man who have put his heart and really touched the world!!

Thanks, Lance. Here's to you!!






WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT LANCE ARMSTRONG

Ann Curry, NBC's Todaynews anchor who has interviewed Armstrong several times
"Lance is a marvel. The fact that he has dominated such a physically demanding sport for the better half of a decade makes it that much more amazing. His dedication and desire to stay on top of his sport for so long despite his domination and all that he has proven makes him a great champion."

- Cal Ripken Jr., who holds the record for consecutive baseball games played
"His grit on the bike and in life is an inspiration to us all. He's outpaced world-class opponents, rewritten the record book and defeated cancer. When the matchup is Lance against adversity, Lance wins. He shows time and again what we at Nike have always believed, that human potential is without limit."

- Phil Knight, founder and chairman of the board of directors for Nike
"Lance's drive and passion are inspirational to me, both athletically and personally. His strength has touched millions of lives and truly motivates the human spirit."

- Andre Agassi, pro tennis star
"Lance is an incredible inspiration to people from all walks of life, and he has lifted the spirits of those who face life's challenges. He is a true champion."

- President Bush
"The bigger picture for Lance is not winning seven consecutive Tour de Frances. The bigger thing is what he has done for cancer patients worldwide with his foundation. Everybody's wearing the yellow wristbands. That gives awareness to people of cancer. The greater awareness brings more money for research. It's a cause for humanity as opposed to something that's for Lance. ... What's so inspiring is that he went through as much as most any cancer patient is going to have to go through to regain their health. He showed you can go through all that treatment and still be an awesome athlete. Not just survive but achieve at a high level."

- Steve Scott, who still holds the U.S. mile record of 3:47.69 he set in 1982, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in May 1994. He was one of the first people Armstrong called after his diagnosis, seeking information on how the disease would affect performance.
"Lance has had a tremendous impact on all sports, not just cycling. His tenacity has shown the world what sports is all about: drive, determination and will. He has beaten the odds both on and off the field and is the true definition of a champion. He has succeeded in athletics, but more importantly in living a life anyone would be proud of."

- Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat
"What Lance Armstrong has done for cancer is outstanding, but without a doubt, more importantly, it's what he has done for his country. As he pedals his bicycle all over France, his whole country is behind him. He's making America proud. Lance has collected a lot of money for cancer. He does it by pedaling that bike, meeting people and making people aware. He's an important symbol. He's a symbol for Americans, and he's a symbol of hope. He makes those with cancer, or those whose loved ones have cancer, say, 'If he can do it, anybody else can do it, too.' "

- Tommy Lasorda, ex-Los Angeles Dodgers manager and Hall of Famer who is active in prostate cancer fundraising.
"He has been an inspiration, a guy you just want to stand up and applaud for everything he has done — overcoming cancer and continuing to win the race, which is the toughest race of all, and he continues to dominate it. People realize what a tremendous challenge it is, year in and year out, overcoming the illness and continuing to be the best there is. I had a lot of players that I coached over the years who played injured, played hurt, exhibited toughness. Like Bob Kuechenberg, who played in the Super Bowl against Minnesota with a broken arm with his arm in a cast. This is the type of courage he has displayed."

- Don Shula, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach
"I've read his book, It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life, I've heard him speak, I've watched the pieces on his battle with cancer and I've watched all seven tours. He's an inspiration to all of us. He's an inspiration to me personally."

- Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut men's basketball coach and prostate cancer survivor
"Lance has had an amazing impact on people while on the bike, but now as a star across many of the Discovery Networks (Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Science Channel and Travel Channel) he will have the ability to inspire millions each week with his message of courage, quality and excellence."

- William M. Campbell, president of Discovery Networks, U.S.
"I have a lot or respect for Lance. ... He lost all his strength, and then he came back in the ultimate endurance sport. ... He has put a face on (cancer). He has taught people that it doesn't just strike older people. Men 18-35 can get it. He's made people aware that it can happen to anyone but with today's technology there's something that can be done."


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