thehog said:
I think the other massive crock in this epic story is the awareness sham. To be honest although Armstrong raises the profile of cancer and himself people still wouldn't know the difference between stage 2 ovarian cancer vs myeloid leukaemias or the treatments or preventions for the various forms of cancer. People bang on that awareness is a cure. It's not. It's also not prevention
Livestrong may have made the word cancer popular but people certainly have no idea about what is involved in the various types of cancer. It's a sham. It's unfortunate because I truly believe he meant well for the organisation upon inception.
Well as I actually HAVE myeloid luekaemia Im pretty sure I at least know the difference. I am lucky - for my condition there is a drug treatment available. But its super expensive, and getting the government/health fund to pay for it involves a whole battle all on its own.
In truth - raising awareness matters a whole lot - but thats not all that Livestrong does.
Cancer treatments, lifestyle decisions, diet, funding, health insurance, ... just surviving .... they all take money and knowledge. Learning to live with cancer is a whole new ball game. Governments accross the world have loads of support groups and insurance and assistance to help people - but loads of red tape as well. Sorting through that (in time - because time is super important when sometimes you dont have that much left) is incredibly hard.
Livestrong actually HELPS people access that support. In actual physical ways. They have information packs, support lines, people ..... they do good work.
Whether its a good use of funds for all the money they raise - well that would be up to an auditor. They certainly wouldnt be the only charity around the world that spends loads on admin and expenses for the 'directors' - but I guess its up to each person who donates or buys a bracelet whether they want to support the cause.
Yes - I do think Lance doped. I do think he should answer to the cycling bodies for that ..... but I also think he has done an enormous amount of good for the world as well.
(and no, I am not BPC)