LANCE, LIVESTRONG AND OUR GROUP

Many people have approached me these past few days asking me about Lance Armstrong, and my work with LIVESTRONG.

Honestly, the latest media storm around Lance and news headlines have had little personal effect.  Everyone has their opinion of this matter, and I respect your stance, whatever it may be.

Cycling career aside, Lance Armstrong leveraged his fame for philanthropic purposes, more so than any other celebrity.  He created an organization that, since its inception 15 years ago, has raised nearly $500 million which supports and empowers people affected by cancer, through practical programs which have a tangible effect on people’s lives (see http://www.howsbrian.com for an entertaining viewpoint, or the LIVESTRONG Manifesto here).  LIVESTRONG has operated as its own, autonomous entity – separate from the professional cycling world – since its inception.

As in the past eight years, I remain as committed and dedicated to the LIVESTRONG organization.  LIVESTRONG continues to work in many capacities on our communities, and I ask for your continued supporting in helping our group, "Ride for LIVESTRONG Seattle" - through volunteerism, fundraising and grassroots support - providing help for those people in the cancer community who need it the most.

Our group now looks forward to LIVESTRONG Day on October 2nd, some training rides before attending the LIVESTRONG Challenge/ Ride for the Roses event in Austin, Texas in October, as well as other opportunities to support the local Seattle cancer community.

As always, I ride in honor of the memory of my father, who ran out of time while fighting this disease.  Cancer is personal to everyone - and we are here to support each other.

Thank you for your past, present and future support.

LIVESTRONG

Patrick
Team Captain, Ride for LIVESTRONG Seattle
Senior LIVESTRONG Leader  

(You can support LIVESTRONG by donating here:  http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/patrickchatfield. I have less than two months before my final fundraising event for 2012, in Austin, Texas!)