Lance Armstrong Foundation

Lance Armstrong Foundation. The organization was founded by Lance Armstrong in 1997, after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. During his treatment, Lance Armstrong was inspired by the Jimmy Miller story and decided to create a foundation to support cancer survivors, like Eric Shanteau and Scott Hamilton. The foundation's early work was influenced by Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, who treated Lance Armstrong and later became a member of the foundation's board of directors, alongside Leeza Gibbons and Robin Roberts.

● History

The foundation's history began with Lance Armstrong's own experience with cancer, which led him to create an organization that would provide support to cancer patients and survivors, including Matt Kell, Christian Vande Velde, and George Hincapie. In the early years, the foundation focused on providing educational resources and support services to cancer patients, working with organizations like American Cancer Society, Cancer Research Institute, and National Cancer Institute. The foundation also partnered with Nike, Trek Bicycle Corporation, and Oakley, Inc. to create the Livestrong brand, which would become a key part of the foundation's identity and fundraising efforts, supported by Phil Knight, John Burke, and Jim Jannard. As the foundation grew, it expanded its programs to include advocacy and research initiatives, working with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

● Mission and Programs

The foundation's mission is to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, including Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, and Kathy Bates. The organization provides a range of programs and services, including educational resources, support groups, and advocacy initiatives, in partnership with American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Oncology Nursing Society. The foundation also funds research grants and awards, such as the Livestrong Research Grant, which has supported researchers like Dr. James Allison and Dr. Craig Venter. Additionally, the foundation has partnered with organizations like Stand Up to Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, and Prostate Cancer Foundation to support cancer research and awareness efforts, including the work of Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Harold Varmus.

● Livestrong Brand

The Livestrong brand was created in 2004, with the launch of the iconic yellow wristband, which was designed by Nike and became a symbol of the foundation's mission and values, supported by Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Serena Williams. The brand has since expanded to include a range of products, from apparel to accessories, with partners like Trek Bicycle Corporation, Oakley, Inc., and SRAM Corporation. The Livestrong brand has become a key part of the foundation's fundraising efforts, with proceeds from sales supporting the organization's programs and services, including the work of Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee and Dr. David Agus. The brand has also been supported by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Ben Stiller, and Will Ferrell, who have helped to raise awareness and funds for the foundation.

● Financials and Governance

The foundation's financials are managed by a board of directors, which includes Lance Armstrong, Doug Ulman, and other business and philanthropic leaders, such as Jeffrey Immelt and Muhammad Ali. The organization's budget is supported by donations, grants, and revenue from Livestrong product sales, with major donors like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Mark Zuckerberg. The foundation has also received funding from organizations like Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The foundation's governance structure includes an audit committee, which ensures the organization's financial transparency and accountability, with guidance from Ernst & Young and KPMG.

● Impact and Legacy

The foundation's impact has been significant, with millions of people affected by cancer benefiting from its programs and services, including Lance Armstrong himself, who has spoken publicly about the importance of cancer support and awareness, alongside Robin Roberts and Giuliana Rancic. The organization's advocacy efforts have also helped to shape cancer policy and research initiatives, working with organizations like National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and Cancer Research Institute. The foundation's legacy extends beyond its programs and services, with the Livestrong brand becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for people affected by cancer, inspired by the stories of Eric Shanteau, Scott Hamilton, and Matt Kell. The foundation's work has also been recognized by leaders like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi, who have supported the organization's mission and efforts.

● Controversy and Rebranding

In 2012, the foundation faced controversy surrounding Lance Armstrong's doping scandal, which led to a rebranding effort and a new focus on the organization's mission and values, with guidance from Edelman, Burson-Marsteller, and FleishmanHillard. The foundation dropped Lance Armstrong's name and rebranded as the Livestrong Foundation, with a new logo and website, designed by Wieden+Kennedy and R/GA. The organization has since continued to provide support to cancer patients and survivors, while also working to rebuild its reputation and trust with donors and partners, including Nike, Trek Bicycle Corporation, and Oakley, Inc.. Despite the challenges, the foundation remains committed to its mission and values, with a continued focus on improving the lives of people affected by cancer, supported by Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Harold Varmus, and Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. Category:Health organizations