Why I Am Not Writing A Fake News Piece About Doping Today
I have this fake news piece bouncing around in my head right now. It’s just busting to come out, really. It would write itself, if I chose to let it.
But I’m not going to.
What the Fake News Piece Would Be About
If I were going to write a fake news piece today, it would be about how scientists discovered a parallel universe today that is identical to ours in every single way except that in this parallel universe, Lance Armstrong was a doper, just like — as it increasingly seems, with the admission of Bjarne Riis today — all the other top cyclists in recent memory.
In this parallel universe, Lance Armstrong — because he doped, unlike in this universe — dominated all the other cyclists even more, winning every stage of the tour, and then lapping the field in the final stage.
The implication, of course, is that it seems really strange that the top cyclists in the world, even doping, could not beat a guy who was racing clean.
But, as I mentioned, I’m not going to write it.
Why I’m Not Writing It
Here’s the thing. A couple of weeks ago, I went over to the LiveStrong site. In the Cancer Support section, I filled out a form detailing what’s up with Susan and the kind of help we would like.
I expected maybe a form letter back in a couple weeks, maybe a list of local resources I could contact on my own.
Instead, the next day, I got a call from a lady who stayed on the phone with me for 90 minutes, heaping practical help. She set us up with ways we could save money on prescriptions. She conference-called in research foundations, hooking us up with clinical trials we might participate in. And while she was the model of efficiency, she was also incredibly caring and personal. She gave me her direct number and told me to call her when I was ready to take next steps.
She was like Nordstrom on steroids.
So now I’m a big fan of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. How could I not be? It turns out all those yellow wristbands we’ve all worn (note to self: buy more wristbands) fund a foundation that is really making a difference in peoples’ lives. In my life.
So Lance gets a pass from me.
Permanently.
PS: Today’s weight: 156.2
Comment by Brewinman | 05.25.2007 | 8:27 am
I have worn a yellow bracelet from the beginning. It is nice to know that my money is helping someone so deserving.
Comment by Tg | 05.25.2007 | 8:39 am
FC–glad to here that the gross of yellow bands my teenage daughter purchased with my credit card has done some good. btw…How is Susan faring these days? We continue to pray for her and your family.
Comment by Tg | 05.25.2007 | 8:39 am
FC–glad to here that the gross of yellow bands my teenage daughter purchased with my credit card has done some good. btw…How is Susan faring these days? We continue to pray for her and your family.
Comment by bikemike | 05.25.2007 | 8:40 am
the care of a loved one overrides everything, as it should.
continued good luck and good love guys.
Comment by gian | 05.25.2007 | 8:43 am
I recently bought more wristbands myself. Note: they are of cheaper quality than the first runs were. is more money going to the foundation now? I hope so. If you would like I can send you some of mine. I have 8 left I think. Let me know.
Comment by Al Maviva | 05.25.2007 | 8:49 am
I’ll revert to form on Lance. Yep, he probably doped. Yep, most of the guys at the front probably do. It’s a level playing field among the dopers, far as I’m concerned. If they were all clean, the only difference would be he would have won 7 tours, and nobody would be talking about doping. The dude’s a genetic freak, and psychologically, he is a monster. He pwned the entire peloton, and that’s why he won.
He’s one of my minor heroes. Not for what he did on the bike, which was amazing, but for what he has done with his fame. Did he consciously set out to do this? I don’t think so. I think life just dealt him a particular hand, and like most humans, he is a force of nature to some extent, he just reacts to what goes on. People in war get called heroes because they step up and do something incredible, yet after the fact they frequently point out how many other people were heroic, and note that they didn’t try to be heroic, they just reacted. Well, that fact doesn’t make them any less heroic. What is the nature of heroism, really? I’ve seen brave guys fold and seen milquetoasts stand up and be counted in very tough situations. What makes a hero? Maybe heroism is something inchoate in the human soul that you can’t put your finger on. It doesn’t mean the hero is a saint, it doesn’t mean they are the kind of person you’d have over to dinner with your folks, though some of them are all around great humans you would… it just means they are a hero, an exceptional human being who in some respect, responds to the call in a manner that is totally above and beyond what is expected of any normal, reasonable human being. Yet normal, ordinary folks are also often heroic in their particular quiet way. Lance didn’t survive cancer due to his heroism or determination – if you read his books, you know he sort of backed into surviving. There is nothing inspiring in how he survived – it’s the story of a Titanic survivor or a soldier who comes through a military catastrophe unscathed, it happened for no apparent reason and Lance is pretty clear about that. But to me, he became a hero afterward. A lot of other people face cancer and terrible diseases and other dire challenges in their lives in a manner that gives the rest of us inspiration – they become heroes to me in a much more mundane yet no less inspiring way. My father was like that, a few other people I’ve known were like that, Maybe Pope JPII was like that, just an example to the rest of us on how to be fully human and face adversity. Only human, but the best a human can be in some respects, fully human even when circumstances invite the discarding of humanity, and invite them to just quit. When you relay how Susan is hanging in there and facing tall odds and fighting, and still looking out for you… it strikes me you may be living with a hero too. I hope you recognize that.
Comment by Bob | 05.25.2007 | 8:52 am
I spray-painted a zip tie yellow and tied it around my wrist. It’s a lot cheaper than buying the Livestrong bracelet, which is — let’s face it — overpriced.
Comment by KT | 05.25.2007 | 9:19 am
I found out last weekend that a friend of mine has a large cancerous tumor in his brain, and it’s terminal. Has he laid down and felt sorry for himself? No, he’s not going to let this thing in his head stop him from living and doing what he wants to do. Is he a hero? Absolutley. Is Susan a hero? Double absolutely. Is everyone with cancer who decides to not let this thing beat them, count as a hero, hell yes.
Al hits the nail on the head. Thanks for being so eloquent.
Go Team Fatty!!!!!!
Comment by MAJ Mike | 05.25.2007 | 9:30 am
I’ve always stood behind Lance, letting the evidence tell the story and leaving the guessing to others. Even if he did dope (based on the “they are all doing it” proposition, my assessment would be the same as Al describes. Glad to hear the foundation is the real deal.
Comment by Mrs. Coach | 05.25.2007 | 9:39 am
It really makes me feel good when I hear stories like this. It just makes me glad to know that there are still people in this world who really care and really want to make a difference, even if it is only with one person.
Al- well said. Are you sober or something?
KT- best wishes to you and your friend. Thats rough.
I don’t read any other blogs, so I don’t know, but do you think that there is any other online community like this one?
Comment by John | 05.25.2007 | 9:46 am
My father died of cancer a few weeks ago and rather than sending flowers or anything like that we asked that people use that money to donate to the LAF. As a result, the LAF is about $500 better off. That’s obviously not an epic amount, but it’s nice to know that my Dad’s legacy is continuing help people.
I’ll be the guy on the goofy green Surly that my Dad helped me build doing the Livestrong challenge in October and, yeah, I’ve got a yellow wristband too.
Comment by jank | 05.25.2007 | 9:47 am
Glad to hear that they’re actually putting substance behind their claims, and absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your wife are getting help with this.
Comment by mark | 05.25.2007 | 9:56 am
Mrs. Coach–I’m not aware of any other online communities like this one either. Except that it’s not just online. When I met Fatty, Botched, and Kenny last weekend, they were all the real deal and greeted me like a friend. When I mentioned to Fatty that I’m hoping to move back to Utah, he offered to help me network and pass my resume around. That’s pretty cool if you ask me, especially considering all else he’s got going on.
Glad to hear the good news about the livestrong foundation as well. There are a lot of heroes in this world if you ask me.
Comment by JET(not a nickname) | 05.25.2007 | 10:14 am
My cousin is a breast cancer survivor. So cancer got personal back then. When I started cycling seriously a few years ago getting the yellow bracelet just seemed like the thing to do. I’m very glad that the foundation actually carries through on such a personal level. Even though I’ve never met you guys in person and just stumbled across this site about a year ago, when I read that your wife’s cancer came back it got personal again. Keep fighting!!
Comment by Pinchie | 05.25.2007 | 10:18 am
Bob sed:
>>I spray-painted a zip tie yellow and tied it around my wrist. It’s a lot cheaper than buying the Livestrong bracelet, which is — let’s face it — overpriced.
Whoa! What a dick. That’s worse than farting in church, dude. Fatty just told you that the money is super worth it, and the cause is unimpeachable. And you’re saying a buck is too much to spend on cancer research?
Like I said: WHOA.
I think the point is not to show (or pretend to show) support for cancer research, but to… y’know, actually support cancer research. Having several close family members die from cancer, I feel comfortable in kindly requesting you to stick your zip-tie where the sun doesn’t shine.
The mind boggles. Surely you just thought you were being funny.
Comment by fafnir | 05.25.2007 | 10:20 am
I am happy that the LAF was able to step up to the plate to help you out. I typically fundraise and do one of the MS rides each year. Does the LAF do something similar to the MS society’s events?
Comment by Tg | 05.25.2007 | 10:24 am
Fafnir, yes, there are Livestrong Challenge rides in several major cities across the country. If my back holds out, I’ll be doing the Livestrong in Philadlepiha in August…FC–any chance the Pink Jerseys will be out by 8/25???
Comment by Eric H | 05.25.2007 | 10:30 am
KT- my wife’s mother was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor about 6 moths ago. My wife has found that the BRAINTMR list serve has been a great information and support in dealing with the special issues around brain cancer. The list run by the Brain Trust, at braintrust.org.
Best of luck to your friend in fighting this disease. – Eric
Comment by Kathy | 05.25.2007 | 10:35 am
John — so sorry for the loss of your Dad. And so cool that you had the kind of relationship that included working on bikes together.
My husband and I rode RAGBRAI last year, http://www.ragbrai.org. Lance was there and spoke after a 70-mile day in the town square of Newton. We waited a couple of hours in the heat on a blacktop road so we could be close enough to actually see him. It was inspiring and there is no doubt that he is dedicated to the cause. We’re on an e-mail list and receive e-mails occassionally asking us to contact our congressmen regarding specific legislation for cancer funding. He’s the real deal.
Comment by Boz | 05.25.2007 | 10:47 am
It seems alot of Lance’s detractors like to point out how self-centered, driven, selfish and at times, ruthless to get what he wants. That’s just the kind of person it takes to win 7 TDF’s and try to crush out cancer. I’d rather be with him than against him when the chips are down.
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 05.25.2007 | 10:54 am
Pinchie, Bob is one of Fatty’s best friends. If you knew Bob, you’d know that what he wrote was a joke, and a funny one at that. Bob is my humor hero.
Comment by WMdeR | 05.25.2007 | 10:54 am
Pinchie,
Bob’s comment is a troll. Like a lewd toast at a first communion, best ignored.
I’ll admit to being less than a Lance Armstrong fan in cycling (methinks he doth protest too much), but his cancer research and support activism, rock on. I wish an organization like the LAF was around in the late 80’s early 90’s, when my father was treated for cancer.
I am cheered to hear that they’re doing good work for FC’s wife and family.
Cheers,
Will
Comment by Kathy | 05.25.2007 | 10:56 am
OK, I found the link, http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2729893/k.89FD/LIVESTRONG_Army.htm Klick on the RAGBRAI video. It has clips from his participation in the 2006 ride and his stops in Iowa to raise awareness and support for cancer research. I am one of the hundreds of people you see in the crowd shot. Worth watching.
Comment by Kathy | 05.25.2007 | 11:00 am
Sorry, looks like you have to click on “Featured Videos” first. Then you’ll find the RAGBRAI video.
Comment by regina | 05.25.2007 | 11:08 am
fair enough, glad they helped you, someone just gave me one of those bracelets, I am going to wear it for Susan, I was not because I heard some anti dopers did a bracelet just like it that said cheat to win. But I am going to wear this one proud.
Comment by Lowrydr | 05.25.2007 | 11:16 am
As a RAGBRAI vet, having Lance ride and promote his foundation is great. I’ve lost several to this evil, more power to LAF. And he is riding the whole week this year. With a Team Livestrong group that raised 1,000.00 each to ride in the group of 100 people. What a great way to support the cause. Hearts out to Fatty & Susan, keep up the good fight. And go for all the support you can get and need.
Comment by Bob | 05.25.2007 | 11:19 am
Pinchie, thanks for working me through that. After reading your comment and doing a little research, I now realize that it is better to purchase a Livestrong bracelet than to make an imitation one. If I purchase a bracelet, the money actually goes towards doing some good. On the other hand, if I make my own bracelet, I’m not helping anyone.
Comment by wmder | 05.25.2007 | 11:22 am
Holy Cow,
In all that seriousness, did anyone notice Fatty’s Weight? If I hadn’t suffered from the flu all week, I’d outweigh him! By the way, not a recommended way to drop eight pounds…. And he’s doing as tough a 1-day mountain bike ride as available….
–WMdeR
Comment by Al Maviva | 05.25.2007 | 11:26 am
>>>>Al- well said. Are you sober or something?
Mrs. Coach… no. Stoned to the bejeezus. I don’t know why they call this stuff performance enhancing. All I want to do is sit here and eat Doritos drenched in Redeye Gravy. Man, that’s good stuff, but other than my Dorito eating ability, it hasn’t enhanced anything.
Okay, fine, that’s not true. But as long as everybody who rides a roadbike is confessing to doping this week, I figure I might as well try to be one of the cool kids.
Comment by Cosmo | 05.25.2007 | 11:48 am
Has anyone noticed that “Lance” is an anagram of “clean?”
Enough said.
Comment by Laura | 05.25.2007 | 11:48 am
You know, my one piece of ‘evidence’ for Lance NOT doping is my own reaction – as a cancer survivor – to the thought of willing ingesting large quantities (pills, injections, what have you) of some chemical that could harm my health seriously. No way. Granted, I’m not a super-competitive, Type AAA bike racer, but still…
And yes, Mrs. Coach, there is at leaast one other blog that has a wonderful sense of community: http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/ They aren’t as humorous, though :)
Comment by fatty | 05.25.2007 | 11:54 am
everyone: while lance gets a pass due to his foundation being very helpful, bob gets an ultimate secret bonus pass with fries and a biggie shake because he’s been my friend for…um, let me think…about 16 years i think. a yellow ziptie is both absurd and hilarious.
Tg: yep, pink jerseys will be available by 8/25. Way before 8/25, in fact. i’ll have more info this wednesday.
Comment by chtrich | 05.25.2007 | 11:59 am
wmder – noticed the weight (or lack there of). It’s dropping fast. Fatty is on a mission and will not be stopped. Trouble looms ahead for all of us B7′ers.
Fatty – Suggestion for the Pink Lemonade jersey. How about the black band around the sleeve of the left arm be made YELLOW to recognize the support the LAF puts into fighting cancer (and now helping Susan) ?
Hoping the pink jerseys come out soon.
All – Off topic a bit. Planning on riding Fatty’s Alpine Gauntlet on June 16th. Check it out in the Forums here if you’re interested in joining.
http://www.fatcyclist.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=553
Comment by Stephanie | 05.25.2007 | 12:07 pm
I’ve had my yellow bracelet from day one… however, recently i’ve wondered why i still wear it. Do i keep it on to show i’m an athelete, to show my support for Lance’s foundation or because it’s still the cool thing to do.
Thanks for reminding me why i bought the yellow bracelet in the first place and why i need to keep wearing it. Thanks for also letting me know that i need to go and buy about 100 more bracelets to continue to support this cause.
Comment by rexinsea | 05.25.2007 | 1:33 pm
Fatty – I am soooo glad to hear that the livestrong foundation is actually successful in thier mission. I’ve never heard any first hand experience with them and I must say your experience sounds like it was incredible. I think will pull out my original band and start wearing again and also start supporting this cause again.
In addition, I agree with you. At this point I don’t care as much about Lance’s tour wins as what he has done with his foundation to make it successful. He set out to build a useful and relevant foundation that helps people in very real ways. Your experience indicates the Livestrong foundation does just that and deserves support.
Good luck and happy thoughts to you and your family. Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to wearing your jersey proudly.
Comment by Mark W | 05.25.2007 | 4:08 pm
I have always tended to believe Lance because I thought he has more to lose than just money, fame and reputation. I am glad that Lance lives up to his side of the deal and you guys can benefit from the foundation. I think that is way more important than whether he needs to return *ALL* his mellow johnnies to the French. If Lance shows up and visit Susan and rides with you it would be really cool…
Mark W in Vancouver
Comment by David | 05.25.2007 | 5:14 pm
The poor old Mom had a Livestrong bracelet on almost all the way through her 5 year fight with Multiple Myeloma. I’m wearing it right now.
First of all, I admit that all the guys on the tour, including Lance, are suspect. I’ll even admit that it’s possible that Lance is an expert cheater. He probably took erythropoetin with his chemo, even though it’s effect is very short lived.
I read E’s blog, and the links, and I’ve had a new thought, (at least new to me.) What if the EPO and the blood doping don’t really help that much? I’ll freely admit that they boost hematocrit, which certainly increases O2 carrying capability, but these guys are all baseline aerobic Gods. I’m not sure there are studies that support that higher hematocrit necessarily equals substained increased performance in competitive long distance bicycling, even though it seems intuitive that it would.
I don’t know, I haven’t researched it, I’m just saying.
Comment by DOM | 05.25.2007 | 5:56 pm
Fatty, I’m thrilled to hear how supportive LAF is. Will gladly support them.
David, it helps for sure. I haven’t seen any controlled, scientific studies, but every athlete I’ve heard interviewed raves about the benefit of training at altitude for the same effect. Whatever issues Lemond has with today’s riders, he makes a good point about the speed of the Tours and the relative lack of suffering among the masses.
Al, well stated as always. I’ve always respected the heroism Jim Valvano showed during his battle with cancer. Everyone should read his speech at the ESPY awards. Think, laugh, cry every day. http://jimmyv.org/rememberingjim/espy.cfm
A little less famous than Lance, but cut from the same mold.
Comment by walter | 05.25.2007 | 6:29 pm
Fatty,
you sum up my feelings about LA better than I ever could have. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago, I contacted them, and like you, concluded they were the real deal. If nothing else, the guy has chosen to use his fame in a way that truly helps people when they really need it.
Our best to you & Susan, as always.
Comment by Rider34 | 05.25.2007 | 7:44 pm
Fatty- Thanks for the hint about contacting the LAF. My brother-in-law has testicular cancer and actually has the same doctor that worked with Lance at the Indiana University Hospital in Indy. The entire family has the bracelets and we wear them religiously.
DOM – Thanks for mentioning the Jimmy V foundation. It is another great fundraising machine for cancer research that caters to the stick and ball crown.
I coach a girls fastpitch softball team and one of my favorite sayings is “keep your chin up and keep fighting”. So Susan, “keep your chin up and keep fighting”!
Comment by Mom | 05.25.2007 | 9:11 pm
It’s ok for a mom to be proud of her son’s writing I hope. Today’s especially. And to all of you, I have to tell you that when I was with with Fatty’s family while he was riding I became aware of how much your comments all mean to Susan. She reads every one of them and is amazed at all the caring for her. She too is the “real deal.”
So Fatty is doing a ride on the 16th? Hummmmmm, a great way for him to celebrate his birthday!
Comment by Clydesteve | 05.25.2007 | 10:34 pm
I rode in the Fundraiser kick-off 60K ride for the 1st LAF Tour of Hope in 2003. My brother had just been diagnosed with cancer, so I decided to raise funds for the honor of representing him in that ride. My family and Scott’s employer all helped with the fundraising drive, and we ended up bringing in over $16,000 in donations – top fundraiser.
So I got to meet Lance, along with the other top 10 fundraisers. He was very genuine, very appreciative, because we were supporting cancer research, and because we were going out of our way to help him publicize cancer research and clinical trials.
Perhaps he is just a good actor, and he was mugging for us to increase his own fame. But that is not what I believed then or now. The LAF was very supportive to Scott & his family through their fight with cancer. As said previously – the real deal.
So, I am still wearing yellow LIVESTRONG bands – for my brother, and, for Susan. It is kind of a prayer reminder when i see it glowing on my wrist. Just ordered 10 more, in fact.
P.S. please do not buy LIVESTRONG bands on EBay, Buy direct from the LIVESTRONG store http://www.store-laf.org/wristbands.html That way your buck actually support the LAF and their valuable work.
Steve
Steve
Comment by Clydesteve | 05.25.2007 | 10:35 pm
I rode in the Fundraiser kick-off 60K ride for the 1st LAF Tour of Hope in 2003. My brother had just been diagnosed with cancer, so I decided to raise funds for the honor of representing him in that ride. My family and Scott’s employer all helped with the fundraising drive, and we ended up bringing in over $16,000 in donations – top fundraiser.
So I got to meet Lance, along with the other top 10 fundraisers. He was very genuine, very appreciative, because we were supporting cancer research, and because we were going out of our way to help him publicize cancer research and clinical trials.
Perhaps he is just a good actor, and he was mugging for us to increase his own fame. But that is not what I believed then or now. The LAF was very supportive to Scott & his family through their fight with cancer. As said previously – the real deal.
So, I am still wearing yellow LIVESTRONG bands – for my brother, and, for Susan. It is kind of a prayer reminder when i see it glowing on my wrist. Just ordered 10 more, in fact.
P.S. please do not buy LIVESTRONG bands on EBay, Buy direct from the LIVESTRONG store http://www.store-laf.org/wristbands.html That way your buck actually support the LAF and their valuable work.
Steve
Comment by buckythedonkey | 05.26.2007 | 12:42 am
That’s quite a story – fantastic to hear that Livestrong delivers!
Comment by Tom | 05.26.2007 | 3:06 am
The LAF really is an awesome set-up.
I live in the UK and got put in hospital following a major bike wreck. My Dad, knowing I liked Lance, wrote to the LAF asking whether they could send anything to cheer me up. Even though I was in no way a cancer patient, they sent a really nice get well soon card and LAF bookmark.
They’re great people, and I won’t forget their kindness.
You and Susan will be fine. You’re both, like… demi-Gods in your brilliance. or, in Susan’s case, a demi-Goddess.
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 05.26.2007 | 4:01 am
I am informed and inspired. Never thought much about the LAF wristbands just thought they were a fashion fad and I would never own one. Today however I am enlightened by FC and other members of TeamFC so buying some wristbands is now high on my agenda.
The relevance of wearing the bands will be a little more relevant for my own family now as my Father in Law (Jim) diagnosed with Cancer on Tuesday this week will probably not survive next week. Makes me even more determined to support Sue and FC as best I can. The more people that read FC and join in on the cause the better and hopefully the quicker Sue gets to Italy. Mind you she won’t see much as there will be a lot of post cards to write.
Are there any other Oz riders doing the Around the Bay in a Day in Victoria in October? I will be wearing my Pink top amongst the sea of 14,000 blue official tops how about joining me.
I like chtrich’s idea of the yellow band on the left sleeve but I reckon it might be hard to arrange. If it’s easy I’d vote for it.
Sorry for the ramble just felt the need to write something.
Feel the Love Sue.
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 05.26.2007 | 4:07 am
P.S. Bob – glad it was a joke for a little while there I did not like you and Pinchie was my main man. However now you are both my mates again.
Comment by DOM | 05.26.2007 | 6:19 am
Clydesteve-good point about buying the bands directly from LAF. I see rip-offs in various colors at a couple of local gas stations and get really ticked off. I want to ream the clerk about the illegality of what they’re doing, but they’re just doing a job. Someone, however, is way out of line.
Comment by LMouse | 05.26.2007 | 12:01 pm
Re Bob: How would you NOT know he was joking? Bob’s a class act.
Dope or no dope, I never liked Lance. Now I do.
Comment by regina | 05.26.2007 | 12:17 pm
maybe you could write some fake stories about lance and you riding together. Given that time you got us when Susan actually put makeup on you and you wove that story about this terrible crash, well, we are sort of gullible.
Comment by regina | 05.26.2007 | 12:19 pm
maybe you could write some fake stories about lance and you riding together. Given that time you got us when Susan actually put makeup on you and you wove that story about this terrible crash, well, we are sort of gullible.
Comment by barry1021 | 05.26.2007 | 12:26 pm
Good stuff Clydesteve. Whatever you think about Lance, he could have set up the foundation like a lot of famous people do and not spend the time. But he didn’t. He still calls cancer patients and survivors personally. Did he dope? probably. EPO helped save his life, its not a big stretch from there, but I don’t really care. What really PISSES ME OFF is how management and ownership in cycling and baseball have managed to pass the entire blame to the athletes when it could never have gotten to where we are today without their involvement.
But i digress. Livestrong is the real deal.
b21
Comment by Caren | 05.26.2007 | 12:54 pm
Al – you are right. there are many heros out there not really thinking about being a hero; they are just doing what they would want others to do for them. we should remember to say “THANKS” to those who do the smallest of things because that small act is often the one that means the most.
I have worn my LIVEStrong band since they came out. I’ve given them away to others that have been affected by cancer. I am a recreational cyclist who rides to get into or keep in shape. I have supported the LAF in many ways but never participated in the Ride for the Roses. Instead I got involved in the Breast Cancer 3-Day (a Susan G. Komen for the Cure event) when my step-sister was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago because this disease got personal. I’ve walked in 2 events and this year I’ll be walking again because even as Team FC lurker this got personal when Fatty posted about Susan. It is my way of helping to find a means of eradicating this disease from all of our lives! They made some great progress but we aren’t there yet!
Susan we are all pulling for you…Continue Living Strong!!!
Caren.
Comment by Charles | 05.26.2007 | 6:11 pm
I’ve worn my LiveStrong band religiously for years. Before it was “cool” and long after. My first one broke after about 4 months. I’ve had this one on ever since. I lost my grandfather to cancer, so this is close to the heart.
I’m glad LAF was able to come through in some way for you and Susan.
Livestrong!
Comment by KatieA | 05.27.2007 | 3:18 pm
I’ve always bought Livestrong bracelets from the foundation, even though I’m in Australia, and they’re a bit harder to get. It’s nice to know that it’s not just research that it goes to funding, but helping out in the here and now.
Still in our thoughts here Fatty & the very brave (and generous) Mrs Fatty. :)
Comment by Pioneer Woman | 05.27.2007 | 4:27 pm
Wow. I love hearing this. The wristbands had become so ubiquitous, I’d almost disconnected their true purpose in my mind. I’m thrilled they’re doing such good, hands-on work and helping you in a practical way.
Thinking of your household, Fatty. Give my best to Mrs. Fatty, though I wonder if she approves of that nickname? ‘Cause I don’t think I’d like it. ;)
Comment by Mike | 05.28.2007 | 6:46 am
FC (and others):
First, I join with everybody in the wishes for good health to Susan and you.
Also, I share your sentiments on Lance. I was skeptical; but after losing both my parents to cancer in 2005, I have been an avid supporter of the LAF—raising money and paying my own way to go on some of their rides. I am scheduled to the Austin ride this year: http://austin07.livestrong.org/mlevin
Not sure if anyone mentioned that the LAF helped push through a new Texas law where the state will use $300 million each year to fund cancer research and treatments, for at least ten years. Hopefully, other states and the US govt will follow.
Anyway, best of luck……I’ll ride for you guys, too…….
—–Mike
http://austin07.livestrong.org/mlevin
Comment by Ian Hopper | 05.28.2007 | 2:05 pm
I’m pulling my yellow bracelet back out: If Susan wasn’t enough of a reason, my father was just diagnosed with liver cancer and it may have metastasized… we won’t know for a week or so. I swear, it’s like getting kicked in the nuts hearing that kind of news. Susan, since we know you’re reading this, Stay Strong baby, we’re pulling hard for you over here in Novato. (no, not like that you sickos!)
My only complaint with the yellow bands (all of them do it, not just the yellow bands) is that they rip my arm hair out at inopportune moments… like when I’m trying to put my kid to sleep. DOH!
Comment by DOM | 05.28.2007 | 5:57 pm
Every once in a while, I get a good idea. I printed the portion of this post about the interaction with LAF (co-workers wouldn’t get the fake news part) and wrote a note saying this is a testimonial of the value of the dollars spent on all those yellow bands. Stuck it on the bulletin boards at work. Also suggested that if anyone knows someone who could use their services, direct them to livestrong.org Maybe a few more of those bands will be appearing at work. Thanks for sharing your positive experience, FC.
Comment by pikkumatti | 05.29.2007 | 5:25 am
Better yet, wear a Livestrong T-shirt. That’ll cost you $50, and you’ll be doing even more good.
And if you know someone with cancer, donate a t-shirt’s worth on their birthday in their honor.
Comment by Jay | 05.29.2007 | 8:54 am
You know I’ve always read this site for the humor and good will. I feel like everyone here is a comrade in arms so to speak. These days I tear up reading the comments on this site. My dad died oh lung cancer in 1991. Something like the LAF would have helped us all through those times. Maybe the guy was a doper but he certainly has done more with his life then say a guy like Riis has. Revealing that you cheated 12 years after seems kind of hollow on the face of it. I really don’t care much if Armstrong doped to be honest with you. If he did at least he is doing good in this world. Riis is just a hypochrit. Fatty all the best to you and Susan. You’re part of all our extended families.
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Pink Fat Cyclist Jerseys Now Available to Order (And So Is Some Other Stuff, Too)! | 06.1.2007 | 7:05 am
[...] LiveStrong: As I’ve recently mentioned, I’m now a big fan of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They’ve helped us, and now I want to give back. When you buy a pink Fat Cyclist jersey, a third of the net goes to the LiveStrong foundation. [...]
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Pingback by Backcountry.com: The Goat » Blog Archive » Oakley Launches Livestrong Sunglasses | 07.24.2007 | 11:11 am
[...] Lance had to do something new since every keg party in town stole his wristband-money-raising idea. The new Oakley Livestrong Radar and Flakjacket Sunglasses will donate about $40 to Lance Armstrong’s foundation with each sale. Fat Cyclist has a great story about the Livestrong foundation. He contacted them for some help for his wife, and instead of talking to someone at a cubical farm in India, a woman called him the next day and sat on the phone for 90 minutes helping him find clinical trials and saving cash on prescriptions. Of course, if you don’t really need the sunglasses, you could just donate a couple hundred dollars directly to Livestrong. [...]
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Pingback by The Flip Side of Sunrise :: The Fight Against Cancers | 12.14.2008 | 10:56 pm
[...] battle with cancer through the eyes of her husband for well over a year now, and it was one post in particular that really convinced me that the Lance Armstrong Foundation is doing something [...]