LIVESTRONG Blog

In Support of H.R. 3962

2009-11-07T15:13:48Z

Below is a letter we sent yesterday to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the White House in support of H.R. 3962 – the Affordable Health Care for America Act. We also sent letters to members of the House. We are joined by a number of other organizations in support of the House bill, including the American Cancer Society, AARP, American Medical Association, American Public Health Association, National Patient Advocate Foundation and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

It is important to remember that today’s House vote is still relatively early in the process. If supporters manage to pass a bill in the House, attention will then turn to the Senate. Senate supporters are in the process of putting the final Senate bill language together. If the Senate is able to pass a bill, then both versions will need to be reconciled in a conference committee to develop a final bill. The House and Senate would then have to pass the final version before it goes to the President’s desk. LIVESTRONG will continue to engage lawmakers on Capitol Hill throughout this process as the health care reform debate continues.

November 6, 2009

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker Pelosi:

On behalf of more than 12 million people living with cancer in the United States, LIVESTRONG urges you to support H.R. 3962 – the Affordable Health Care for America Act. We believe this is a key vote for people affected by cancer.

LIVESTRONG unites people to fight cancer. We engage the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on preventing cancer, ensuring access to screening and care, improving the quality of life and survivorship for people affected by cancer, and investing in needed research.

The challenges faced by most Americans in health care are clearly reflected in how people living with cancer are served by our system. In cancer, prevention, screening, early detection and access to continuing care are essential. Study after study has shown that those who lack insurance or who are underinsured have higher cancer mortality rates than those who have insurance and therefore better access to care.

H.R. 3962 includes many provisions that will improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The bill prohibits insurance companies from excluding coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions and eliminates annual and lifetime spending limits that can cause cancer patients to run out of insurance benefits during treatment. The legislation also provides access to proven cancer screening methods for millions of Americans.

Congress has an opportunity to change the way that our country is fighting cancer by passing the Affordable Health Care for America Act. LIVESTRONG urges you to vote in support of this legislation.

Sincerely,

Lance Armstrong, Founder and Chairman
Doug Ulman, President and CEO

Movember Update: Week One

2009-11-07T14:18:55Z

Week one of Movember is coming to a close and the men at LIVESTRONG HQ are looking a little ragged. Most are stuck somewhere between scruffy and mustache; except for Dr. Adam Michael Clark who is already sporting an impressive “Trucker”. Below is an update about Movember from scruffy staffer Chris Brewer and the Mo-tastic Dr. Clark.

Please Note: The screeching you hear in the background is from the elementary school playground across the street. It’s not from Dr. Clark’s fan club.

Stay tuned for more updates on the LIVESTRONG Movember Team and visit www.livestrong.org/cancersupport for information about testicular and prostate cancer.

Guiding You Through Treatment and Beyond

2009-11-05T23:14:39Z

Today we asked our Twitter community “What is the one thing you know now that you wish you had known before your cancer treatment.” We received tons of responses ranging from “I wish I had known about the nausea.” to “I wish I had known it would be hard for me to get pregnant.” to “I wish I had known I wasn’t alone in my fight.”. We have created a resource to help prepare and guide patients from the point of diagnosis through the balance of life called The LIVESTRONG Guidebook.

The LIVESTRONG Guidebook addresses specific concerns that cancer survivors, loved ones and caregivers may have during each phase of the cancer journey. It helps survivors navigate the healthcare system to find reliable resources and the best care for their situation. The Guidebook provides the information that is needed from the time of diagnosis, through cancer treatment and beyond.

The general themes of the Guidebook content include understanding how cancer can affect the physical, emotional and day-to-day lives of survivors. The information also will be helpful for loved ones and those assisting as caregivers.

The Guidebook can help cancer survivors and their loved ones:

* Learn about cancer and treatment
* Find the best health care
* Find good resources and support services
* Learn what questions to ask
* Make health and life planning decisions
* Understand insurance and financial issues
* Keep track of the cancer experience
* Find hope

To order your copy of the Guidebook, visit our store. Guidebooks are free, but shipping and handling charges apply. For more information about our free, confidential, one-on-one support services for anyone affected by cancer, visit www.LIVESTRONG.org/survivorcare or call us 1-866-673-7205.

Auction Raises 1.3 million for LIVESTRONG

2009-11-04T15:42:50Z

LIVESTRONG raised $1.3 million for the global fight against cancer at the one-time-only auction, It’s About the Bike, at Sotheby’s in New York, NY on Sunday, November 1st.

The auction featured the seven bikes ridden by Lance Armstrong in his 2009 comeback season created by world-renowned artists including Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Yoshitomo Nara, Marc Newson and Kenny Scharf. The customized Trek Madone with a gorgeous array of real butterflies by Hirst garnered the highest bid at $500,000. In addition to funds raised by the bikes, $25,000 was raised from individual donations by auction guests.

We are so humbled and so appreciative of all that took part in this event.

Photos by Melanie Burford.

Empire State of Mind

2009-11-05T14:04:15Z

We salute you, Team LIVESTRONG! Almost $850k raised and over 6500 total miles run in the NYC Marathon yesterday. It was the 40th year for this run from Staten Island to Central Park. We are so thankful to New York Road Runners for having us as a charity for this race and so thankful to the runners who take up the task of completing the mileage and the fundraising.

Can’t wait to take on NYC 2010!

Here are just a few pictures from Mile 18 where we hung out to cheer on runners! And then one of the staff that helped with NYC from LIVESTRONG!

Team LIVESTRONG Takes on the NYC Marathon

2009-11-02T17:33:43Z

The LIVESTRONG Army Runners are at it again! This time they take on Gotham City at the NYC Marathon. This team of 252 runners from 15 Countries and 44 States have raised….nearly $700,000 this year!

Here are few stories of Team LIVESTRONG participants:

Dr. Kerry Blissett from New Jersey.
“I have a cancer that is extremely aggressive but which can be treated well if caught early. If I had known more, I would be in a better position than I am today. Education and awareness are key to limiting the fatalities from this disease and by running this marathon I would not only be raising money for the fight against cancer but would be helping people understand what they can do to reduce their risk of contracting melanoma. Having cancer has made me focus and it has made me stronger. I have chosen to make this a positive experience with the love and support of my family and friends. The path that Lance, and many others took to fight inspired me and helped me make that choice. I want to run this marathon and I want to give something back.”

Harvey Kanter from Southlake, TX.
“I am celebrating two years post cancer diagnosis 1 month following is the NYC raise. I ran a marathon last year as a Grassroots Fundraiser, raised $35K+ 6 months post treatment…1/2 went to LiveStrong.” Harvey and his Team Cancer sucks consisting of 3 other runners have raised $28000 with a goal of $40k.

Jon Cohen from NYC
“On Sunday, November 1st, i will be running the NYC Marathon. Once again, I am proud to be running for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This race will be my 10th Marathon. I thank those of you who continue to support my fundraising race after race and year after year. This past spring we were able donate over $17,000 to Live Strong (LAF). It’s time to do it again. I battled some serious pain this year to make it to the starting line. It hurt every day to get out the door and start each run. But that pain is nothing compared those who face and battle cancer every day.” Jon has raised $24,800

Raffaele Gerbi from Italy
“My son of three years died last 31st july from Neuroblastoma – we must fight cancer.”

Karyn Smith from Connecticut
“July 21, 2009. A date that is finally behind me now. I am a five year breast cancer survivor but I am also only 34 years old. This calls for something special. My personal “bucket list” has only one item on it – I want to run the New York City Marathon. This is it! This is my year! I had applied before but was never picked through the lottery. That is when I saw that there was an opportunity to run the Marathon with Team LIVESTRONG. All of a sudden it became clear to me, this was what I was meant to do.

LIVESTRONG played an integral part in establishing the organization Fertile Hope which is the only foundation that not only provides cancer patients with information about fertility options after treatment, but also provides funding to those in need. Fertile Hope was the ONLY resource that we had when I was diagnosed, and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone as a young woman both fighting cancer AND fighting to still be a mommy. Needless to say, it is a cause very near and dear to my heart.”

This is just a small pick of the many stories that make up this really amazing team. Thank you for all of your support and hard work. We are so excited for Sunday.

CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta Interviews Doug: A Survivor’s Story

2009-10-30T14:52:21Z

Via www.cnn.com/vitalsigns

Doug Delivers Your Signatures

2009-10-29T21:02:13Z

Our President and CEO, Doug Ulman, had his meetings yesterday on Capitol Hill and delivered the LIVESTRONG Action petition in support for healthcare reform to congressional leaders in the House and Senate. Thank you to the 65,000 of you signed this petition.

Doug first met with Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), who was leading the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee earlier this year when they passed their version of the health care reform bill. The HELP Committee bill is currently being merged with the Senate Finance Committee bill for floor consideration by the full Senate. Senator Dodd is also a cancer survivor as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.

LIVESTRONG CEO, Doug Ulman and Senator Chris Dodd

In the afternoon, Doug met with Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA) to deliver the LIVESTRONG Action petition. As Republican Whip for the U.S. House of Representatives, Representative Cantor is the second most senior member in the House Republican Leadership.

LIVESTRONG CEO Doug Ulman and Senator Eric Cantor

Our petition messages about ensuring that no American should be denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions and that no one should lose their insurance due to changes in health or employment were well received on Capitol Hill.

Petition for Reform

Thank you again to the 65,000 that signed this petition in support of reform. Without you we could not have made this happen.
Photos by Jocelyn Augustino©2009

Sperm Banking: Myths and Truths

2009-10-29T16:57:11Z

There are a lot of myths surrounding fertility preservation–one of the top concerns for young adult cancer survivors. Below are some important facts survivors should know about sperm banking and a new service provided through the foundation.

Myth:
All states have sperm banking facilities

Truth:
The states that have no known sperm bank are:
Alaska, Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wyoming
However there are still plenty of states that may only have one or two that are very far away and/or people may not have access to go to one

Myth:
You have to go to a hospital or facility to bank your sperm:

Truth:
There is a tool created with a partnership between Cryogenic Laboratories, Inc., Fertile Hope and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Live:On sperm banking by mail kit provides male cancer patients with a practical, convenient and cost-effective tool to help them bank their sperm. Order the kit free of charge to stock in your clinic or hospital and distribute to newly diagnosed patients.

Myth:
Banking by Mail is ineffective

Truth:
Banking onsite at a clinic might produce a higher-quality specimen than banking by mail. However, Live:On is an effective alternative to sperm banking onsite. Along with detailed instructions, each Live:On kit includes transport solution that stabilizes sperm and serves to maintain its quality during transit. Overnight delivery assures that the specimen is received and processed within 24 hours.

Myth:
Sperm Banking is too expensive:

Truth:
The cost of the kit, including one year of storage, is $675, and you will be charged when his sample is received by Cryogenic Laboratories Inc. Financial assistance programs to help with the costs of sperm banking may be available by calling LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare at 866-965-7205.

For more information or to order the Live:On kit, call (800) 466-2796 or visit www.liveonkit.com Don’t let the myths and embarrassment get in the way of having a family.

Delivering Your Voice to D.C.

2009-10-28T19:42:01Z

President and C.E.O. of LIVESTRONG, Doug Ulman, is on Capitol Hill today delivering your signatures in support for healthcare reform. Your voice will be heard today because you chose to make a difference. Thank you for all that signed the petition for healthcare reform. You can still let your voice be heard on this issue. Go to www.livestrongaction.org