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ONE love, blood, life
"Live Strong" Wristbands Creeping into Politics, Fashion
By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press Writer
July 30, 2004
AUSTIN- John Kerry wears one. President Bush has one too. So do several movie stars.
One of the hottest fashion trends in America is the "Live Strong" yellow wristband produced by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the cycling superstar's cancer-fighting organization.
Since the fund-raising effort started in May, the charity has sold 7 million of the rubber bands for $1 each with plans for 1.8 million more. Nike donated the first $1 million, and proceeds go toward programs for young people with cancer.
Sales easily surpassed the $6 million the foundation initially hoped to raise. The wristbands can be purchased at www.wearyellow.com.
"It's been an overwhelming experience," foundation President Mitch Stoller said Friday. "I think everybody, from average Americans to celebrities, are getting the message of courage and hope."
Armstrong overcame advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain before putting together one of the most astonishing athletic feats of the past decade in winning a record six consecutive Tour de France titles.
Armstrong was given only a 50 percent chance to live in 1996 but has won every Tour de France since 1999. He has inspired cancer survivors around the world and linked himself to the traditional yellow jersey worn by the Tour leader and champion.
The foundation timed the fund-raising campaign to coincide with this year's race, which Armstrong won Sunday.
Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president, wore his wristband while campaigning this week and at the Democratic National Convention.
Kerry had a cancerous prostate removed in February in 2003. His father, Richard, died of complications from the disease in 2000.
White House spokesman Taylor Gross said Bush also has a wristband and supports the Armstrong foundation.
Foundation spokeswoman Michelle Milford said the group appreciates the candidates' support but will avoid any political debate.
"The way we fight cancer is a bipartisan issue," she said. "We want support from everybody."
Milford said foundation officials have been keeping track of celebrities wearing the wristbands. Rock singer Bono of the band U2 and actors Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Stiller have been sighted wearing them, Milford said.
The wristband had a noticeable presence at the Tour de France as well.
"A lot of his competitors were wearing them," Milford said. "Cancer doesn't pick teams."
The biggest spike in sales came during the race. The foundation sold 25,000 in Paris on Sunday alone. Another 400,000 were sold over the foundation's Web site over the next three days.
But the popularity has brought out profit seekers as well.
The online auction site ebay has several listings for wristbands for sale at inflated prices. One listing Friday said the online sale could help the foundation raise cash, but there is no guarantee the money will be sent there, Stoller said.
The foundation is trying to steer buyers away from secondhand purchases.
"We don't want people buying these and trying to profit," Stoller said. "That's not the intention of this campaign."
___
On the Net:
Lance Armstrong Foundation: http://www.laf.org
By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press Writer
July 30, 2004
AUSTIN- John Kerry wears one. President Bush has one too. So do several movie stars.
One of the hottest fashion trends in America is the "Live Strong" yellow wristband produced by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the cycling superstar's cancer-fighting organization.
Since the fund-raising effort started in May, the charity has sold 7 million of the rubber bands for $1 each with plans for 1.8 million more. Nike donated the first $1 million, and proceeds go toward programs for young people with cancer.
Sales easily surpassed the $6 million the foundation initially hoped to raise. The wristbands can be purchased at www.wearyellow.com.
"It's been an overwhelming experience," foundation President Mitch Stoller said Friday. "I think everybody, from average Americans to celebrities, are getting the message of courage and hope."
Armstrong overcame advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain before putting together one of the most astonishing athletic feats of the past decade in winning a record six consecutive Tour de France titles.
Armstrong was given only a 50 percent chance to live in 1996 but has won every Tour de France since 1999. He has inspired cancer survivors around the world and linked himself to the traditional yellow jersey worn by the Tour leader and champion.
The foundation timed the fund-raising campaign to coincide with this year's race, which Armstrong won Sunday.
Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president, wore his wristband while campaigning this week and at the Democratic National Convention.
Kerry had a cancerous prostate removed in February in 2003. His father, Richard, died of complications from the disease in 2000.
White House spokesman Taylor Gross said Bush also has a wristband and supports the Armstrong foundation.
Foundation spokeswoman Michelle Milford said the group appreciates the candidates' support but will avoid any political debate.
"The way we fight cancer is a bipartisan issue," she said. "We want support from everybody."
Milford said foundation officials have been keeping track of celebrities wearing the wristbands. Rock singer Bono of the band U2 and actors Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Stiller have been sighted wearing them, Milford said.
The wristband had a noticeable presence at the Tour de France as well.
"A lot of his competitors were wearing them," Milford said. "Cancer doesn't pick teams."
The biggest spike in sales came during the race. The foundation sold 25,000 in Paris on Sunday alone. Another 400,000 were sold over the foundation's Web site over the next three days.
But the popularity has brought out profit seekers as well.
The online auction site ebay has several listings for wristbands for sale at inflated prices. One listing Friday said the online sale could help the foundation raise cash, but there is no guarantee the money will be sent there, Stoller said.
The foundation is trying to steer buyers away from secondhand purchases.
"We don't want people buying these and trying to profit," Stoller said. "That's not the intention of this campaign."
___
On the Net:
Lance Armstrong Foundation: http://www.laf.org
