In 1997 the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) created its first fundraising event, Race for the Roses in Austin, Texas. After 8 years the Ride for the Roses became one of the most popular cycling events in the United States, outgrowing the roads of central Texas. In 2005, the LAF expanded into Portland, Oregon for the first LIVESTRONG Ride. Raising more funds than projected, it inspired the LAF to launch LIVESTRONG Challenge in 2006. Through its many transformations over the past 11 years, the LAF has raised more than $40 million for the fight against cancer.

Today there are more than 12 million Americans living with cancer and 560,000 people in the United States will die from the disease this year-1,500 people every single day, 3 people every hour, one person every minute. These numbers aren't just statistics--they represent people in communities all across the country. Through the dollars and awareness that are raised, the LAF is able to support programs and research dedicated to preventing cancer, ensureing access to cancer screening and care, improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer and investing in needed cancer research. By coming together we have the opportunity to decrease the unacceptable gap that exists between what we know about preventing, screeening for and treating cancer in this country, and what we do with that knowledge.

First in line!!

Gotta have that morning cup of coffee...

The runners and walkers.

The bikers.

The man.

Lance Armstrong.

Trying to keep up with Lance. We started right behind him and managed to stay with him until we got to Saratoga then got stuck at a redlight and fell behind. We were completely exhausted after 10 miles keeping up with his pace.

The finish.

The Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation

We believe in life. Your life. We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being. And that you must not let cancer take control of it. We believe in energy: channeled and fierce. We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything. This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We kick in the moment you're diagnosed. We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage. We believe in your right to live without pain. We believe in information. Not pity. And in straight, open talk about cancer. With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with. This is no time to pull punches. You're in the fight of your life. We're about the hard stuff. Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion. And a third, or a fourth, if that's what it takes. We're about getting smart about clinical trials. And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends. It's your life. You will have it your way. We're about the practical stuff. Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertilitiy. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers. It's knowing your rights. It's your life. Take no prisoners. We're about the fight. We're your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs. And we know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life. This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet. LIVESTRONG.