Julie Howson pointed out that The Washington Post published an excellent article called Wrist and Recuperation [ registration required ] that summarizes the LiveStrong program for people who are wondering what it’s all about. There is also some good information in the article for people who are actively supporting the cause, including:
- 20 million wristbands sold since May 17,
- $6 million initial fund-raising goal was meant to correspond with Lance’s then-anticipated sixth Tour de France victory, and
- 20 or more couples purchased wristbands in bulk to give away as favors for guests at their weddings.
Many readers know that my wife, Kathleen, is a third year pediatric resident at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She works in the pediatric hem-onc (hematology-oncology) unit periodically. Parents and grandparents of patients in this unit are major purchasers of LiveStrong wristbands as well.
The Washington Post says that the wristbands “show support for those battling cancer, and create an instant bond among the wearers.” I’ve given them to survivors and members of their families, the families of victims, and people who donated to support me in the Tour of Hope DC Fund-raising Ride. Those are exactly the reasons why I’ve been sending giving away the wristbands.