Don't be so negative.
 

Tell that to my yellow bracelet.
 

Can I be the one to "bash," if you will, Lance Armstrong? I know it's a risky move, but I have to say that I am a little tired of hearing him talk again and again, so solemnly, about the date he was diagonosed with testicular cancer. Most recently in a commercial for I forget what.

I know, I know, he is the symbol of our ability to "Live Strong" and fight for our lives, even when battling the monster behemoth that is Cancer. And this is an awesome mantle to carry and he is a WINNER, in every sense of the word. His Tour de France victories are incredibly unbelievable - cancer or no cancer. And is work ethic is unmatched.

BUT, how many people in the world have battled cancer? And amazingly, many people survive. Most everyone I know has either had a cancer diagosis, or has a member of their family that has had cancer.

Lance's ego is just so HUGE. It seems like it's more about HIM than about helping people fight Cancer. And that part bothers me.

Totally unpopular opinion, I know... but I couldn't resist.
 

I'll get on board with that--enough already, we get it. Can't he let his accomplishments speak for themselves for once. And he left his wife for Cheryl Crow, then cheated on her too, so it's probably fair to assume his ego is a little out of control.

And those damn yellow bracelets--it's like the "support the troops" stickers, do we really need to wear a bracelet to show that we too are anti-cancer. Then came all of the other bracelets. I'm sorry, but this culture's obsession with AWARENESS is so shallow and lame--sort of the antithesis of anonymous charitable giving, everyone wants credit for their, er, humble charity. Put the bracelets down and head to a soup kitchen, or better yet, just write a check and be done with it.
 

Just so you know, folks, all comments about Lance Armstrong aside...I was kidding with that line about the yellow bracelet.
 

I actually think some of you are being a little inconsiderate. Yes, many people survive cancer, but not all. Being diagnosed with cancer is still scary, and Richard has every right to feel a bit shaken by his experience.
 

he was JOKING judith. lance armstrong is the epitome of an american hero. a lying egotistical SOB who's used his illness, and his multiple steroid-induced Tour victories, to turn himself into a brand. all we need now is the usual endgame: scandalous revelation, followed by rehab/confession, followed by book, followed by more products sold only on TV......yellow is a good color for sir lancelot
 

5:58 - Not only an unpopular opinion but an ignorant one as well. I am sure most cancer survivor's you know did not have the statistics against them like Lance did at one point during his illness when the cancer had spread to many organs.

Lance didn't ask to become the spokeperson for cancer and just as Christopher Reeves and Michael J Fox have brought money in for 'their' health concerns, we should be thankful for Lance and all he has done for cancer education and research.

Lance has made the world realize that even fit, healthy bodies aren't impervious to cancer.

6:09 - write a check and be done with it? Please come back and tell me you were joking.

and 10:14 -what did Lance lie about?? He is a powerful man for many reasons. I know this may be unsettling to most of you, but....harvard grads/students/presidents aren't the only ones with power in this world.

As a relatively new reader of Richard's blog, I would have thought some of the most erudite individuals would be posting.

And...getting back to the original post....Richard, the article from the Washington Post was interesting....especially the possible link of immune suppression to cancer. I hope that is explored a bit further...Having run long distance races before, they (race organizers) do tell us to stay away from 'germs' for several days post race, but rarely back the statement up with research in our packet pick-up.
 

"Lance has made us realize that even fit, healthy people aren't impervious to cancer" - that's the most ignorant thing I've ever heard! Don't you know that, notwithstanding health (nutrition and exercise) and environmental factors which can make us more or less suseceptible to cancer, certain people are born with genes that make them absolutely suseceptible to cancer?? (i.e. different strains of "cancer genes," if you will)

I hear the violins, and I think my tooth is starting to hurt...

Lance is a winner, noone argues w/that, but his ego has gotten out of hand, and it would just be great if he could be a little more humble and focus on helping others, rather than directing the focus to himself.
 

"Lance has made us realize that even fit, healthy people aren't impervious to cancer" - that's the most ignorant thing I've ever heard! Don't you know that, notwithstanding health (nutrition and exercise) and environmental factors which can make us more or less suseceptible to cancer, certain people are born with genes that make them absolutely suseceptible to cancer?? (i.e. different strains of "cancer genes," if you will)

I hear the violins, and I think my tooth is starting to hurt...

Lance is a winner, noone argues w/that, but his ego has gotten out of hand, and it would just be great if he could be a little more humble and focus on helping others, rather than directing the focus to himself.
 

My favorite line from the very self-satisifed 6:16's post is the following: "He is a powerful man for many reasons." Now, I assume you're a man, perhaps because you're so obnoxious, but not gay, because you just don't give off that vibe, but hey -- that line about how "powerful" he is really really homoerotic. Just thought you ought to know.

And as for lying? Lets start with the steroids, ok. If you do a little research on the topic, I think you'll find that those who know -- Greg LeMond, for instance -- are satisifed he used them. Perhaps only in one of his victories. But either way, he's a liar and he keeps on lying. Christopher Reeve was an actor, but he wasn't a liar.