AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Sep 24, 2012) - Today, the Lance Armstrong Foundation launched a national campaign promoting its free services for people affected by cancer with online, print and outdoor advertising, including a billboard located at the intersection of I-35 and Cesar Chavez in downtown Austin. The campaign, We Can Help, features the stories of five people including the organization's founder and chairman, Lance Armstrong, as well as clients of the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center.
Lance, 41, was an up-and-coming athlete when he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer on Oct. 2, 1996. He aggressively educated himself about his diagnosis and treatment. Declaring himself a cancer survivor rather than a victim, he beat the disease despite overwhelming odds. During his battle he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation to serve fellow survivors. To date, the Foundation has raised nearly $500 million and helped more than two million people with the emotional, financial and practical challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis through its navigation services.
The campaign also features the stories of Ana, Gabriel, Iram and Sarah, who have benefitted from one man's vision to create an organization that helps others deal with their immediate needs surrounding a cancer diagnosis.
Ana, 37, became the sole caregiver for her father when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. She had a tough time dealing with his diagnosis and all of the responsibilities her new role required until she was connected to the Foundation's support services. With the Foundation's help, Ana was able to get facts from professionals about cancer as well as emotional support for herself and her son as they dealt with her father's cancer battle.
Gabriel, 20, is a young adult cancer survivor who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of two. Gabriel was advised to have regular follow-up visits with his doctors, but as a part-time student without insurance, he had not been able to have a checkup in almost three years. Gabriel turned to the Foundation's young adult support services and was able to find affordable insurance and further financial assistance.
Iram, 31, was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent surgery. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife of nine years divorced. Iram utilized the Foundation's emotional support services, specifically the LIVESTRONG Cancer and Relationships class, where he was able to connect with others who understood what he was going through.
Sarah, 33, had been cancer-free for five years when she received her second breast cancer diagnosis. She was contemplating having a baby and was devastated to learn that her treatment could complicate that. The Foundation's fertility preservation services gave Sarah and her husband more information about fertility risks and preservation options and made it financially possible for them to freeze their embryos. Sarah's sister-in-law agreed to be her surrogate. Today, Sarah and her husband are the proud parents of a daughter, Lily.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation's navigation services are available in English and Spanish online, by phone and in person for anyone affected by cancer -- whether you have cancer, or are a loved one, friend, health care professional or caregiver of someone diagnosed. The Foundation began providing these services online and by phone in 2004. In 2011, the Foundation opened the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center, co-located at the LIVESTRONG Headquarters in the underserved part of the city in East Austin. This marked an expansion of their navigation services to include an in-person option. The Center is one of just two facilities of its kind in the U.S.
Trained, bilingual navigators are available to help individuals address a wide-range of needs including:
- Emotional Support - assistance coping with a cancer diagnosis, help accessing support groups, as well as peer-to-peer connections
- Fertility Risks and Preservation Options - information on fertility risks and help accessing discounted rates for fertility preservation options
- Insurance, Employment and Financial Concerns - information on employment rights and benefits, financial assistance and debt management, including insurance and billing issues as well as medication co-pay assistance
- Treatment Concerns - general cancer and treatment information, and matching to clinical trials
People affected by cancer can access the Foundation's navigation services the following ways:
- By phone
- (855) 220-7777 (English & Spanish)
- Online
- In person at the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation became a symbol of hope and inspiration to people throughout the world affected by cancer. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Known for its powerful brand -- LIVESTRONG -- the Foundation is also a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people living with cancer today. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised nearly $500 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.