LIVESTRONG(R) Applauds Australia for Advancing the Cancer Fight
- Lance Armstrong Helps Leading Australian Cancer Organization Launch $50 Million Initiative
“LIVESTRONG is incredibly proud of our friends at CanTeen for this extraordinary accomplishment,” said Armstrong. “The establishment of the Youth Cancer Networks Program is not only a major victory for CanTeen, it's a victory for the global community of adolescent and young adult oncology.”
The initiative, led by CanTeen -- the Australian organization for young people living with cancer, is a groundbreaking collaboration involving the Australian government, state and territory health services, corporate and community support, cancer clinicians and young adult cancer survivors. The cornerstone is the $15 million Youth Networks Cancer Program, funded by the Australian government. The aim of the program is to improve survival rates and quality of life for adolescents and young adults with cancer in Australia.
CanTeen, in partnership with the Sony Foundation Australia, has committed to matching funding from the Australian government, and will raise an additional $15 million. The funding will establish a network of youth cancer services within state and territory health systems throughout Australia. The states and territories have made commitments to fund ongoing service delivery, totaling in excess of $20 million in the first five years of the new services, bringing the total investment to $50 million over this period.
This announcement falls on the second anniversary of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign, which launched at Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2009 and was established to address the global cancer burden. The Campaign generated more than 300 commitments to the fight against cancer, representing work in more than 60 countries around the world and an investment in cancer control of more than $200 million. To date, the global commitments have reached more than 200 million people. CanTeen's commitment to the Campaign was the establishment of this initiative, which has now been realized and proves the effectiveness of the commitments process.
People interested in helping LIVESTRONG advance their global work can do so by taking the LIVESTRONG Survey. The anonymous survey is available online at http://www.LIVESTRONG.org/survey2010 and is open to anyone with a personal connection to cancer. The data collected will help LIVESTRONG address unmet needs of cancer survivors and their families and could provide the organization with information that will lead to the creation of new programs that will transform cancer care.
Armstrong was in Australia competing in his final international professional cycling race at the Tour Down Under, the same race where he made his return to professional cycling two years ago. While Down Under, Armstrong took a hard hat tour of the Flinders Medical Centre for Innovation in Cancer, the facility that will house the LIVESTRONG Cancer Research Centre and is currently slated to open in 2012 once construction is complete.
On the tour, South Australian Premier Mike Rann said, “The LIVESTRONG Cancer Research Centre, which is the research wing of this new $28 million integrated cancer center, will lead Australia -- if not the world -- in innovations for the early diagnosis, prevention, treatment and support of people with cancer, and their loved ones... It reflects a core message of Lance Armstrong and LIVESTRONG that surviving cancer is not just about successfully completing treatment. It's about living life on your own terms.”
Rann also announced that Adelaide's newest bike path would be called the LIVESTRONG Pathway, a shared use walk and bike path along the western edge of Bonython Park.
“On behalf of LIVESTRONG, I want to thank Premier Rann for supporting our commitment to helping people live healthy lives and increasing public awareness of cancer with this honor,” said Armstrong. “The LIVESTRONG Pathway further strengthens the bond of friendship between the sister cities of Austin and Adelaide and we are proud to be part of another achievement for this celebrated partnership.”
In addition to the support Armstrong offered Australia's cancer community, he also offered support to the flood relief efforts in Queensland, which is trying to recover from the worst natural disaster in its history. Armstrong personally pledged a $50,000 donation and also participated in a relief ride in Brisbane with 2,500 cyclists that raised $125,000 (AUS).
“We want to extend our thanks to all the cyclists who came out today to support the flood relief efforts and to everyone who made this ride possible,” said Armstrong. “In the wake of this devastating flood, the people of Queensland have demonstrated extraordinary acts of hope, courage and perseverance. They have reminded us that when people band together they can achieve more than they ever thought possible, a true testament to the strength of the human spirit.”
About LIVESTRONG
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG's mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer. For more information, visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.
Lance Armstrong Foundation 개요
Lance Armstrong Foundation은 현재 암에 걸려있는 전세계의 약 2천800만 명의 사람들을 위해 진단 단계부터 향후 환자들이 암과의 투쟁을 하는 데 필요한 자원과 지원을 제공하려고 노력하고 있다.
웹사이트: http://www.livestrong.org
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