People have been waging a war on cancer for decades, but before cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer the war had no symbol.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), in collaboration with Nike, has created the Live Strong wristbands. These yellow bands are a symbol of Armstrong's struggle and success in his fight for a life without Cancer.
Some U of M students are showing their support for Armstrong's experience by not only wearing the bands but by buying several of them and giving them to their friends.
Journalism major Brett Collins, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, said that his bracelet is a reminder that if you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything.
"There are people facing challenges every day, and you can beat those challenges, but you've got to believe in yourself and be strong," said Collins.
Collins said that he received his bracelet from a friend who was deeply inspired by Lance Armstrong and his battle for survival. He said his friend has inspired him to motivate others.
"You don't realize it, but you inspire people and in turn people inspire you," said Collins.
Lance Armstrong is not the only one "living strong." Alex Molnar, 2, is also struggling with cancer. In April of this year, Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even though a specialist was able to remove the tumor, Alex still has to undergo chemotherapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Alex's father Tom Molnar, a junior, software information systems major, said that it is their faith and little pieces of inspiration, like the Lance Armstrong wristbands, that help them stay in good spirits.
"It (the bracelet) is a sign of hope for us. It's more of a spiritual thing. We are here for a reason," said Molnar. "Whatever reason that is."
Molnar said that it is not easy having to live with a child who has cancer. He said that it is a battle to keep Alex in good spirits.
"These kids are amazing! Especially the little ones who are Alex's age, because you can see that they are really hurting," said Molnar. "He's (Alex) going a mile a minute, but the reality is, he has cancer."
Molnar and his wife got the wristbands during their stay at St. Jude. A volunteer was passing them out, and it has been giving them hope every since.
Both Molnar and LAF are marching on in the fight to find a cure for cancer. Whether is it through research or through raising money, the goal is the same, finding a cure.
"We just want as much support for him as we can get," said Molnar. "The more prayers we can get the better."
Right now Alex's mother, Vanessa Molnar, is running in a half-marathon called St. Jude Heros.
For more information on how to help Alex go to caringbridge.org/tn/alex.For more information about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, visit the website at laf.org.
