LIVESTRONG Challenge participants raise $1M

This is a press release courtesy of Edelman for the Lance Armstrong Foundation

Lance Armstrong was joined yesterday by more than 3,000 cyclists, runners and walkers, along with hundreds of volunteers, at the annual Portland LIVESTRONG Challenge. Hosted at Nike World Headquarters, the event benefited the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and raised support and awareness for the fight against cancer. Through the generosity of 10,000 donors, Portland participants raised $1 million this year to support LAF research projects, community-based programs and advocacy initiatives.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge, which kicked off in Portland this year before events in San Jose, Philadelphia and Austin, is the LAF’s signature fundraising event supporting the Foundation's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Presented by Nike, participants took part in the event by running or walking a 5K or by riding 10, 40, 70 or 100 miles. Participants ranged from cancer survivors to those who are passionate about the cause or participating in honor of loved ones.

“More than 7,000 Oregonians lost their lives to cancer last year, a fact that is simply unacceptable” said Lance Armstrong, founder and chairman of the LAF.  “I am truly inspired by the tremendous success of today’s LIVESTRONG Challenge and the ongoing support from the people of Portland and the Northwest. We look forward to continuing to unite people in the fight against cancer and supporting the nearly 12 million Americans living with cancer today.”

The event began with remarks from Armstrong and LAF President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Ulman. Armstrong then hopped on his bike for the 70-mile ride. Actor, author and cancer survivor Evan Handler, from the television series “Californication” and “Sex and the City,” also participated in the Challenge to show support for the effort.  Handler was also promoting his new book, “It's Only Temporary: The Good News and the Bad News of Being Alive,” which details his battle with cancer.

Following the race, participants and supporters gathered at the LIVESTRONG Village at the Tiger Woods Center to enjoy music, food, games and exhibits. Armstrong and Mark Parker, Chief Executive Officer at Nike addressed the crowd at the post-event celebration.

Ulman presented the 2008 LIVESTRONG Challenge award to participant Barry James from Yakima, Washington, an honor given to those nominated for their “courage, perseverance and hope that embodies all cancer survivors” according to Ulman.  James, a father, husband and second-grade teacher, was diagnosed with a rare malignant tumor on his liver but has inspired and motivated his community to be aware and support the fight against cancer.  Team jersey honors went to the eight members of Team Cyclists Combating Cancer, who raised $6,000 for the LAF leading up to the Portland Challenge.  

“It was a great day and we’re delighted by the turn out and tremendous support in Portland,” said Ulman. “Almost everyone is affected by this disease in some way, and whether you walk, run, ride, volunteer or donate, everyone who joins the effort is one more powerful weapon in the crucial fight against cancer.”

Additional awards were given at a Fundraising Appreciation dinner held the night before, where 15-year old Jimmy Fowkes won top fundraising honors for his third consecutive year with over $35,000. Fowkes, who is currently in his second battle with brain cancer, participated in the 5K with his mom, Margo, while his father, Dan, rode in the 70 mile race and sister, Molly, rode in the 40 miler. Over the past three years, Jimmy and Molly have raised more than $100,000 collectively for the LAF to help others whose lives are affected by cancer.  

Team Risky Business, who is participating in the Portland and San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenges and boasted 211 members in the Portland Challenge specifically, was awarded the top team fundraising awards for generating more than $127,000 toward this year’s event. 

About the LIVESTRONG Challenge

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s (LAF) signature fundraising event. This annual series of events takes place in cities across the country, enabling anyone to support the LAF’s mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. The Challenge was created to celebrate victories and applaud hard work: walking your first 5K after completing treatment, organizing 50 co-workers to ride 10 miles for the first time, raising $500 in honor of a newly diagnosed friend or riding 100 miles in memory of a loved one.  In 11 years, the LIVESTRONG Challenge has raised in excess of $40 million while uniting individuals to pick a fight with cancer and stand up for the nearly 12 million Americans living with cancer today. This year, in addition to Portland, LIVESTRONG Challenges will take place in San Jose, Calif., Philadelphia, Pa. and Austin, Texas.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people to fight cancer, believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. We provide the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. We take aim at the gap between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering due to cancer. We engage the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on preventing cancer, ensuring access to screening and care, improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer and investing in needed research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. UNITE at LIVESTRONG.org.