LAF Lance Armstrong Foundation

LAF Lance Armstrong Foundation : 

LAF Lance Armstrong Foundation Adriana Calderon Nicole Saccone

History : 

History LAF is a nonprofit organization located in Austin Texas. It was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, to inspire and empower families and individuals who are affected by cancer.

Goals and achievements : 

Goals and achievements Provide information about Cancer prevention Access to screening and care Improving the quality of life for cancer survivors Research Their goals have not changed since LAF’s inception in 1997.

The Interview : 

The Interview After interviewing the Community Contact Coordinator, Teresa Castro, we discovered that LIVESTRONG is both a social action group and a support organization. They advocate for social and government change that will benefit people affected by cancer.

Political beliefs : 

Political beliefs When asked if LAF supported particular candidates or if they had strong political beliefs, Teresa answered with a no. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization we are unable to endorse or support any one political group or politician. We must remain neutral. The group can neither be classified as conservative or liberal.

Stance on Public Issues : 

Stance on Public Issues LIVESTRONG believes that healthcare is not a political issue; it is a fundamental human right and Americans need healthcare reform now. Cancer is projected to become the leading cause of death worldwide this year. 100,000 families declared bankruptcy in the United States this year because of a cancer diagnosis and that’s a moral and ethical failure. We advocate for a healthcare reform bill that includes the following principles: No American should be denied health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions. -  No American should lose their insurance when they fall ill.

How is the group organized? : 

How is the group organized? LIVESTRONG has one office located in Austin, TX. We do not have satellite offices or chapters. In other words they do not have national, state or local affiliations. They currently have 78 staff members and around 30 interns and volunteers. The volunteers allow them to accomplish a large amount of work and are a huge necessity.

Members and benefits : 

Members and benefits We really don’t have membership as we are a nonprofit organization. We have thousands of dedicated supporters throughout the world. We are not a “group you can join.” We offer support services to ANYONE affected by cancer; patients, family, friends,  caregivers and professionals.

Recent events : 

Recent events On Feb. 18th, Team LIVESTRONG was on the move throughout the city of Austin, Texas (home to LIVESTRONG HQ). More than 60 runners took on 13.1 or 26.2 grueling miles. While the mileage varied, each runner was united by a common cause: inspiring and empowering those affected by cancer. Every runner finished the race and they raised over $30,000!!!

Recent Events : 

Recent Events LIVESTRONG attends the World Health Organization meeting to add momentum in strategically building the case for non-communicable diseases to be on the global agenda. About 100 leaders worked over the 36 hours of meetings, developing strategic designs for how to push world leaders, governments, investors and global non-profits to acknowledge this need and reorient comprehensive patient care.

Recent Events : 

Recent Events LIVESTRONG responded to president Barack Obama’s state of the union address on Jan. 27th 2010. “Tonight, President Obama renewed the drive for comprehensive health care reform, calling for a reexamination of the plan on the table but opening the door for other options.” “The cancer community doesn’t care about the method, whether it’s piece by piece or in an omnibus bill.  What we care about is change that creates affordable care and an end to unethical practices by insurers that wreak havoc on our lives.” “The President made clear that he’s heard our call for reform and will continue to make a just, affordable system a priority.”

Sources and contact info : 

Sources and contact info http://www.livestrong.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=khLXK1PxHmF&b=2661079&ct=7899019 http://livestrongblog.org/2010/02/18/26-2-through-austin/ Website: http://www.livestrong.orgE-mail: livestrong@livestrong.orgPhone: 512-236-8820Address: PO Box 161150Austin, TX 78716-1150 2201 E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78702