As I stepped away from the teller at my bank the other day, she asked a simple question about the yellow bracelet around my wrist.
“What's that for,” as she pointed to my left wrist.
I told her it was a LiveStrong wristband that you can get from the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The $1 cost per each wristband helps the foundation battle cancer.
I've always admired Armstrong for his prowess on a bike and how a fellow Texan, yup that's right, I was born in the Lone Star State, rose from racing triathlons on the weekends to winning seven consecutive Tours de France.
However, I think I admire him more for the battle he took by the horns when at the age of 25 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Detected in its advanced stages, the cancer had spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain.
The rest of Armstrong's story is well known, as he beat the cancer through a regiment of medication, determination and a competitive spirit.
However, he did more than beat cancer, he created hope for the millions of people afflicted each year by this disease – including my father (prostate) and sister (cervical).
They loved to watch the highlights of Armstrong as he went on to win his seven Tour De France titles after winning his battle with cancer.
They often spoke how it gave them hope that they too could win their battles and declare themselves a cancer “survivor” rather than a “victim.” My father and I would chat daily through July about how Armstrong was dominating his sport despite the constant barrage of doubters.
And yes, all three of us were saddened when Armstrong retired after his 2005 victory.
Unfortunately, neither my father nor sister won their battles with cancer – as my sister passed in late 2007. As my family approaches the year anniversary of my father's death, I know deep down inside they both would be thrilled that Armstrong has since returned to racing – I sure am.
Not only has his return energized American cycling, Armstrong racing again proves that no matter what age you are, that you can climb the mountain if you have the right frame of mind.
Now there are those naysayers out there that want to slap all the labels on Armstrong. To those of you who doubt why he races, I urge you to watch the Nike commercial for the 2009 Tour De France.
Armstrong says only 32 words in the 63-second spot, but let me say a picture is worth a thousand words. And for Armstrong I have just three – Just Do It.

LINKS
Armstrong Nike Commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI5xSdhwdjY
Lance Armstrong Foundation: http://www.livestrong.org
Tour de France Results: www.letour.fr/indexus.html