Lance steps down from Livestrong
Dang. I guess I’ve been living in a little world of denial about my hero Lance Armstrong. I loved him so much…his seven consecutive Tour de France titles along with his successful battle with cancer (testicular, which spread to his lungs and brain) made for a super human beyond imagination. I loved watching him cycle, there was a look in his eyes that I understood from a distance. He stood for everything that I wanted to be: strong, determined, unstoppable, accomplished, happy. He was the best at his craft. He also helped others. Now, he has stepped down as chairman of the board of the Livestrong organization, a charity that I love with all my heart, because of doping allegations that have stripped him of almost every accomplishment he was known for. I wear the Livestrong bracelet on my left wrist every single day to remind myself to live strong. What does it all mean now? Was it a person that I believed in, or a mission? Originally, I think it was a person – Lance – that I looked up to. He was my hero. But then Livestrong became a community where I was surrounded my like-minded individuals. I used the MyPlate app every single day as I lost my weight in 2010. I loved reading the stories of fighters…people who were focused on living a better life. They were all there, looking up to Lance as a unit of strength.
I was forced to ask myself a serious question this morning: Will I still wear the bracelet? At first, I thought I wouldn’t. I was disappointed, disillusioned. I held out hope for Lance until the very end. But then I realized that I don’t wear this bracelet for Lance, or for anyone else. I wear it b/c it symbolizes strength within myself. Lance now has another battle to fight, and I still believe that he is one of the strongest people who has ever lived. I wish he would admit to his mistakes so he can start making it right again. But regardless of what he has done, I am still inspired by the Livestrong mission and the people who strive for health. Mental health, physical health, and spiritual health. So, I will still wear the bracelet. It reminds me that I am successful and worthy of the effort. It reminds me that I love myself and believe in my goals. I will continue to wear it in support of others in need of a community. I think that’s what it is all about.
Livestrong
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October 17, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Jeff
One thing I hope the world takes from the Lance Armstrong story (and others like it) is that we should not choose our heroes based on their celebrity. So many times the people that the media prop up to be role models turn out to not be the people we thought they were. Maybe we should get back to looking at the good people closer to us as our role models and allow the cult of celebrity to die.
October 17, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Jen West
This is a great perspective on many levels, Jeff.
October 17, 2012 at 5:33 pm
David
That is the reason I have a very strong dislike for celebrities who use their status for any cause. This latest thing with Lance just solidifies my distaste for so called “celebrity hero’s”. Steroids in baseball and football, not to mention other celebrity antics all of who are in the public eye. There is not one single human on this planet who has not made mistakes. It is a true friend who can see past your faults but also bring you back down to earth when you make a mistake. But celebrities are glorified and patronized which only enables them. This is a very sad time for all of us.
October 17, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Jen West
It certainly is. I hope that Livestrong will survive, as I think it is beyond Lance’s celebrity (but not association) at this point. Thanks for your comment David.
October 17, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Dusti
Admitting your mistakes and deceptions is the first step to getting forgiveness from those you’ve wronged. I hope he steps up, too. I agree with Jeff…I’d love to see the death of the “cult of celebrity.” I admire the work of celebrities but I have people closer to me that I can admire for everything else.
October 17, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Jen West
Yes! Sometimes those closest to us are the best heroes.
October 17, 2012 at 9:28 pm
KK
Jen,
It has been disheartening to watch all of this play out. I’m a huge supporter of LIVESTRONG and will continue to be. In act, I’m heading to Austin for the LIVESTRING challenge this weekend and to celebrate their 15 year anniversary. I asked myself if I could support them, and the answer is yes. I’m not a cycling fan, I’m a fan of fighting cancer and that means ALL cancers. So I turned to LIVESTRONG when I watched my friend die if a rare cancer. Their mission is one I believe in.
Lance has his cross to bare aroud cycling and I hope his foundation that has helped so many can continue to grow.
Live strong’!
Kari
October 17, 2012 at 9:34 pm
Jen West
I read about their 15th anniversary just a few minutes ago, so awesome that you get to go! I will be thinking about your friend this weekend…and you’re right, it’s the mission that matters. Have a wonderful trip Kari!