Governor Sonny Perdue proclaimed May 13 as LIVESTRONG Day in Georgia. The initiative is sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong...
Atlanta hospitals, health care organizations and businesses joined 500 venues around the country participating in LIVESTRONG Day on May 13, 2008, sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to shed light on cancer issues.
Governor Sonny Perdue proclaimed LIVESTRONG Day in Georgia. Organizations including Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology (SEGO); the Georgia Cancer Coalition; Piedmont Hospital and Cancer Wellness at Piedmont; WellStar’s Kennestone Cancer Center; Northside Hospital; Camp Sunshine House and the River Room at Post Riverside Town Square organized events to educate their communities about cancer and cancer advocacy.
Activities in and around Atlanta have been organized and documented in film thanks to the efforts of ovarian cancer survivor Janet Kempe, who coordinates the “Buddies Program” for Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology. Volunteering to film the event is Atlanta videographer, Tom Burke. Kathy Pollard, Cancer Advocate and Captain of the Atlanta LIVESTRONG Army, served as advisor. Brenda Stutzman, three-time cancer survivor and assistant to the LAF Chief Operating Officer, attended all of Georgia’s filmed LIVESTRONG Day events.
“Georgia supports the efforts of the Lance Armstrong Foundation to focus on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research, and quality of life for cancer survivors,” says Angie Patterson, a breast cancer survivor and Chief Operating Officer for the Georgia Cancer Coalition. “This day symbolizes the need for survivors and those touched by cancer to unite in support of efforts being made to improve cancer control in Georgia, where cancer remains the second leading cause of death, taking nearly 15,000 lives annually.”
In years past, approximately 200 LAF delegates have advocated in Washington, D.C., to demand that our nation’s leaders invest in resources, treatment and services for people affected by cancer and to emphasize the importance of making cancer a national priority. This year the foundation shifted the focus from legislators and lobbyists to the American people in their local communities.
“We believe that by uniting people in the fight against cancer we will remind our decision-makers that their constituents care about cancer and demand change,” says Janet Kempe.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. www.LIVESTRONG.org.