AUSTIN, Texas
Proceeds to Support LAF, Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) invites cyclists, people living with cancer and those who care about them to join six-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong at the first LIVESTRONG(TM) Ride at Nike's world headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., on September 25, 2005.
About 3,500 participants from Oregon, Alaska, California, Idaho, Nevada and Washington will take part in the LIVESTRONG Ride to raise awareness and funds for the LAF and the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Cancer Institute to help people with cancer live strong.
"In the past eight years, the LAF has funded more than $2.5 million in research, community programs and other awards in the Pacific Northwest," said Mitch Stoller, LAF president and chief executive officer. "We look forward to partnering with these communities through the LIVESTRONG Ride to provide physical, emotional and practical tools and information for people living with cancer."
Funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Ride will support the LAF's advocacy, education, public health and research programs. In addition, a portion of the funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Ride will support cancer survivorship activities at the OHSU Cancer Institute.
With a $150 registration fee and incentives to raise additional funds, participants will receive awards based on the amount of money that they raise, such as invitations to the pre-Ride pasta dinner and a preferred starting line position at the Ride.
LIVESTRONG Ride participants may choose to ride the 10-mile, 40-mile, 70-mile or 100-mile course. They will also be invited to the LIVESTRONG Village expo area and the post-Ride party at the close of the cycling event.
"Through the LIVESTRONG Ride, we are thrilled to offer the excitement of the Ride for the Roses, our annual cycling event in Austin, Texas, and the opportunity to support the LAF to communities across the country, beginning in the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to announcing future LIVESTRONG Ride sites next year," Stoller said.
Honorary chairs of the LIVESTRONG Ride are Craig Nichols, M.D., LAF board member, associate director for clinical research in the OHSU Cancer Institute and head of the Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology in the OHSU School of Medicine; and Phil Knight, co-founder and chairman of Nike. The cycling event will begin and end at Nike headquarters. Nike is the presenting sponsor of the LIVESTRONG Ride and a longtime friend of the LAF. As a tribute to Lance Armstrong's inspirational fight against cancer and his historic attempt at a sixth Tour de France win last year, the LAF and Nike launched the Wear Yellow Live Strong campaign in 2004. To date, more than 50 million wristbands have been sold at $1 apiece, and all proceeds support the LAF's advocacy, education, public health and research programs.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in your battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis we provide the practical information and tools you need to live strong. We serve our mission through public health, advocacy, research and education, including the LIVESTRONG(TM) Resource for Cancer Survivors. The LAF was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit livestrong.org.
The OHSU Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center between Sacramento and Seattle. It comprises some 120 clinical researchers and basic scientists who work together to translate scientific understanding into longer and better lives for Oregon's cancer patients. In the lab, basic scientists examine cancer to uncover molecular abnormalities that cause disease. This basic science is empowered by more than 200 open clinical trials that test in patients what's been proved in the laboratory. Visit ohsucancer.com for more information about the OHSU Cancer Institute.