LIVESTRONG(R) Sponsors Global Day of Action Against Cancer

AUSTIN, TX–(Marketwire – October 1, 2010) –  On Saturday, October 2nd, more than 1,000 events throughout the world will take place to mark LIVESTRONG Day, the annual global day of action to celebrate survivorship and work toward a world without cancer.

October 2 also marks the 14^th anniversary of LIVESTRONG founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis and the beginning of his life as a cancer advocate.

“The fight against cancer doesn’t happen in a lab,” said Armstrong. “It takes place in our homes and communities as families struggle to beat this disease. This year, cancer is projected to become the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than eight million lives. On LIVESTRONG Day, communities throughout the world will unite to support those living with cancer and call for renewed action by our leaders to combat this global health crisis.” 

More than 1,000 events — from bike rides and “Wear Yellow” initiatives, to bake sales and beyond — will take place in all 50 U.S. states and across 57 countries on LIVESTRONG Day as individuals and communities stand unified in solidarity to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. Events include:

• A glow stick vigil on the Colorado Capitol steps in Denver where supporters will celebrate survivorship and remember lost loved ones
• A group bike ride and cancer awareness event in Boston where participants will pedal to fight cancer
• A 24-hour cycling event in Atlanta where cyclists will raise funds for cancer programs and research
• A Texas/Oklahoma football game watching party at LIVESTRONG headquarters in Austin where LIVESTRONG staff will educate the community about its resources
• A learning and awareness building event at an elementary school in Los Angeles where children will chalk up the playground and share their ideas about what it means to live strong

LIVESTRONG has also partnered with Nike to raise cancer awareness at the Red River Rivalry football game in Dallas featuring The University of Texas at Austin versus The University of Oklahoma. Fans will perform a cancer-focused card stunt sponsored by Nike during the game. The stunt will create a memorable experience for fans and help unite them in the fight against cancer.

LIVESTRONG and RadioShack are further raising cancer awareness on LIVESTRONG Day by enlisting the help of supporters through Facebook and Twitter. On October 2, for every person who adds the number “28” to their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to support the 28 million cancer survivors around the world, RadioShack will donate $1 to LIVESTRONG up to $100,000.

RadioShack will also unveil a giant digital rendition of the “Team 28 Mosaic” in New York’s Times Square on LIVESTRONG Day for one day only. The mosaic is based on the iconic photograph of Lance taken at the final stage of the 2010 Tour de France. The Team 28 Mosaic is comprised of photos of all the Facebook and Twitter supporters who have tagged their profile photos with the Team 28 symbol (see #team28 or http://twb.ly/team-28 via Twitter). Video of the billboard at Times Square’s Military Island will be streamed live online during the day at http://team28.RadioShack.com, allowing supporters to view larger-than-life profile images on the digital mosaic as they are added.

Supporters are also encouraged to wear yellow, the universally recognized symbol of the fight against cancer, with Lance on LIVESTRONG Day to join in a global statement of strength and courage and show support for cancer survivors around the world. More than 7,000 people have already committed to wearing yellow on LIVESTRONG Day.

The impact of cancer around the globe is growing every day. The American Cancer Society and LIVESTRONG recently joined together to release a first-of-its-kind study on the economic cost of all causes of death globally, including cancer and other noncommunicable diseases and communicable diseases. The data from this study revealed that cancer has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world, costing the global economy nearly a trillion dollars a year.

LIVESTRONG Day is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to work toward the common goal of ensuring that cancer survivors around the world have the information, resources and support they need to live with strength and dignity.

“Today we have a powerful opportunity to change the way people think about cancer,” said Doug Ulman, LIVESTRONG President and CEO. “Every single person who joins the fight against cancer brings us closer to our goal of a world free from the disease.”

To learn more, visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.

About LIVESTRONG
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG‘s mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer.