General Cycling Discussion - LA's yellow wristbands: A fashion statement or a fight against a killer disease?

My wife, a cancer survivor for one year now, was a little upset when we were at a party this weekend and people were talking about the wristband as a fashion trend rather than talking about the cause behind it or the people affected by cancer. Actually, some people thought the wristband was in support of LA and his victory at TdF. I understand my wife's feelings. But for those who are not immediately affected by cancer, do you wear the wristband because it is popular or are you aware of and support the cause behind LAF. I'm just curious.

Both. Lance is using his popularity to fight cancer, one dollar at a time. I really don't care if the Hilton sisters wear it as long as the money goes to good use...and I'm a cancer survivor.

I bought one to show my support for the cause, but I don't wear it mainly because I don't like having anything hanging around my wrist.

i've never met anyone wearing one that didn't know the cause behind it. but, i've met plenty of people who don't wear them and think they're just an accessory.

Seems like I've been asked half a dozen times about the band and each time I looked on it as an opportunity to spread the good word.

I wear mine to support LAF and I tell others who ask me.
I've gotten at least one other person to wear one as well.

My wife, a cancer survivor for one year now, was a little upset when we were at a party this weekend and people were talking about the wristband as a fashion trend rather than talking about the cause behind it or the people affected by cancer. Actually, some people thought the wristband was in support of LA and his victory at TdF. I understand my wife's feelings. But for those who are not immediately affected by cancer, do you wear the wristband because it is popular or are you aware of and support the cause behind LAF. I'm just curious.

yes i am aware of LAF and their causes... i try to educated people as much as possible when they thought it's just a yellow rubber band. my aunt, whom is a 2 time breast cancer survivor, like many other cancer patients/ survivors are the reasons why i wear my LA band. i just wish more people will come to realized it more that this is not a fashion statement or a bandwagon thing in rooting for LA's win of the 6th. we need everyone whom wears it to educated everyone else around them about it.

just my 2 cents,
rui

I bought mine before they became the big "trend". My dad is a cancer survivor so that is my first connection to wearing the band. Also when people ask me what it is I talk about the cancer research part. Lance is doing a great job by using his status to help in raising money for the foundation and its work.

I think most ADULTS know what the yellow band stands for. Funny, I don't know too many people over the age of 20 who DOESN'T know someone who has had cancer... It is SAD but true..
I don't know why your wife is upset. The money is for a good cause whether people know it or not.. If the money wasn't going to cancer and they said it was, then I can see her being upset...
My brother is a 10 year survivor of cancer after the doctors told him he had 1 year.. My dad is also a cancer survivor.
If the consumer is ignorant WHO CARES as long as the money is going to the right place..

I don't know why your wife is upset... If the consumer is ignorant WHO CARES as long as the money is going to the right place..

In my "logical" mind, I agree that as long as the foundation is achieving its goal to raise money so that a cure for cancer can eventurally be developed, then I don't really care why people buy the wristband. But at the same time, I am not a cancer survivor myself and I do not live with the psychological side effects (i.e. reoccurence, anger, etc.). Accordingly, I respect my wife's feelings of those who trivialize the cause. Thanks for all the inputs.

I started wearing mine for two reasons first to support the LAF and second to support Lance. Now it has a whole new meaning for me . Livestrong is a new mantra for me and my family, 2 weeks ago my 71 year old mother had an aneurysm and just before she went in for her surgery I slipped it on her wrist telling her to live strong. She has finally come out of her coma and hopefully is on her way to recovery. Now not only do my family wear them but many of the care givers at the hospital are wearing them in her support. I really do not think anyone out there is wearing them as a fashion statement.

I'm sure many people might have some alternate intentions whether its the wristband, or various ribbons/pins/keychains for supporting other charities.

Brings up the neat issue of trying of assessing someone's goodness while factoring both the consequences and intentions. (sure the consequences is that it supports LiveStrong, but does the person's intentions matter?)

So consider this, where person X is someone with a sore back.

a)Person A is mean, hits person X with a chair to hurt them, but actually fixes the back by nudging something back into place.

b)Person B is kind, thinks he knows what he is doing, also carefully hits person X with a chair, but actually makes the injury much worse.

I started wearing mine for two reasons first to support the LAF and second to support Lance. Now it has a whole new meaning for me . Livestrong is a new mantra for me and my family, 2 weeks ago my 71 year old mother had an aneurysm and just before she went in for her surgery I slipped it on her wrist telling her to live strong. She has finally come out of her coma and hopefully is on her way to recovery. Now not only do my family wear them but many of the care givers at the hospital are wearing them in her support. I really do not think anyone out there is wearing them as a fashion statement.

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition. My mother went into cardiac arrest back in April, the prognosis never looked good but she is back at home and I am thankful for every extra moment I have to spend with her. Livestrong indeed!

My prayers are with your family,

ehenz

I have several bands. The first was given to me by a man I know named Greg who had testicular cancer(he was Lance's roomate during one of his hospital stays.) I'm a Lance fan, but I wear it in support of people like Greg, whose courage is literally awe-inspiring, and as an excuse to suggest that people support LAF. I also gave one to my mother, who survived cervical cancer. Finally, I wear it because Lance and the motto "LiveStrong" are inspirations.

I must say, however, that hearing that the Hilton bimbo is wearing one makes me think about taking mine off. There's no rational reason for this-just visceral revulsion at doing anything that creature does.

I wear mine for my dad, a cancer non survivor, but we only really got people in the store when Lance started wearing yellow and hitting the news. We didn't carry the bands, it was just a personal thing amoung employees, and every time we got someone wanting them we had to explain why we had them but the store did not ( "You don't have them? You're a bike shop" ) And tell people how to get them on line (most did not want to go to the trouble and then we would get a lecture on how we should have them) I think most people, now, are looking for the accessory aspect of them.

The darn things are made of plastic, which is made by refining oil. The refining of oil, the subsequent burning of fuel products derived from the refining of oil and the further refining steps required to produce plastics all cause mucho pollution responsible for mucho cases of cancer. Very hypocritical, if you ask me. Why can't people just make a donation to Lance's favorite cancer research foundation, without receiving a stupid fashion accessory?

I believe they are surgical quality latex, which would make them plant based.

So, who else noticed that John Kerry was wearing one during his speech tonight?

Sverre

So, who else noticed that John Kerry was wearing one during his speech tonight?

Sverre

I didn't notice, I'm not sure that Lance making 16 million/year will be voting Democrat. He seems happy with the current prez....

I didn't notice, I'm not sure that Lance making 16 million/year will be voting Democrat. He seems happy with the current prez....

a presumption on your part since he has never shown any political side of him.

a presumption on your part since he has never shown any political side of him.

He has presented George W with a yellow jersey (and I think a bike) but that may be more about Bush's position as President than his politics. Bush also called him to congratulate him after winning the Tour.

As for the bands - I had never heard of them until my 8 year old daughter brought one home for me from Paris. She was there (with my wife's mum) for the final stage and brought me home a number of souvenirs.

I don't think they're available in Australia at all.

I checked out the website to see what they were all about and now proudly wear one.

As far as comments go about ti being made of plastic, they state on the packaging that they're made of silicon.

You can go to http://www.johnkerry.com/index.html to see Kerry is very definitely wearing one.

Does everyone have to bring politics into something that is a great cause!!! Who cares WHY they wear it as long as the money is going to research. Without this research, I would not have a brother and father alive today.

It is a great cause and let's hope every political figure, actor and average person on the street buys one!!

Does everyone have to bring politics into something that is a great cause!!! Who cares WHY they wear it as long as the money is going to research. Without this research, I would not have a brother and father alive today.

It is a great cause and let's hope every political figure, actor and average person on the street buys one!!

I agree who cares if Paris or John or George wears one or why the money raised is a good thing. Besides it is another one of those things thta is brining Americans together instead of dividing us.

The darn things are made of plastic, which is made by refining oil. The refining of oil, the subsequent burning of fuel products derived from the refining of oil and the further refining steps required to produce plastics all cause mucho pollution responsible for mucho cases of cancer. Very hypocritical, if you ask me. Why can't people just make a donation to Lance's favorite cancer research foundation, without receiving a stupid fashion accessory?

So tell me Randya that computer you are sitting at has absolutly no plastic or oil based products. You have personally NEVER purchased any oil based products?

Remember he has has not sinned may cast the first stone

I didn't notice, I'm not sure that Lance making 16 million/year will be voting Democrat. He seems happy with the current prez....


I think he's been vocal in the past about shrubs sillier policies.

(sure the consequences is that it supports LiveStrong, but does the person's intentions matter?)

So consider this, where person X is someone with a sore back.

a)Person A is mean, hits person X with a chair to hurt them, but actually fixes the back by nudging something back into place.

b)Person B is kind, thinks he knows what he is doing, also carefully hits person X with a chair, but actually makes the injury much worse.


Hate to be technical and I'm probably off the subject, but in your scenario, intentions matter. Person A committed a battery whereas Person was just stupid. ;)

I'm not a Hilton fan by any means. Who is to say that she doesn't know someone that is fighting cancer? Is it a requirement that your life be touched by cancer to support the fund raising? Perhaps it is not a bad thing for these people with a lot of exposure to wear the band. I do however hope that these insanely rich people find it in their hearts to donate more than $1

I bought ten and wear one every day because I believe in the cause. I have several cancer survivors in my family, and earlier this year lost one of my high school friends to the disease.

Why does it matter if people are buying it for fashion or as a donation to LAF to fight cancer? As long as LAF gets they money its all going towards a good cause.

I think its actually better than they're getting so popular, they're sold out in many places and at LAF.org. Theyre selling on ebay for 2-5 dollars each. The more popular they become the more money will be raised for this good cause.

So tell me Randya that computer you are sitting at has absolutly no plastic or oil based products. You have personally NEVER purchased any oil based products?
I agree, I'm a phucking hypocrite myself, you can't avoid the dang stuff, it's everywhere, and I even have to admit that some of it is pretty darn useful, too. Still, I'm sure plastics could be manufactured in a more environmentally benign and acceptable way, if only the manufacturers were willing to change their processing and waste management practices slightly...anyway, my point is that we've made our own bed, and now we're lying in it, so to speak. Since we've conquered most infectious childhood diseases, we live longer and cancer and other 'lifestyle' diseases are now the leading causes of death in western societies. Most cancers have an environmental / lifestyle component to them, hell, the majority of cancers are caused by what we smoke, breathe, eat and drink, and although there is certainly a modicum of denial involved, most smokers know full well what the potential consequences of smoking are. Our food is full of preservatives, pesticides and other additives, our air is full of toxic emissions from vehicles and industry. Everyone has a relative or friend who has either won or lost the 'battle' with cancer. Can we expect anything less, given the circumstances?

Why does it matter if people are buying it for fashion or as a donation to LAF to fight cancer? As long as LAF gets they money its all going towards a good cause.

I think its actually better than they're getting so popular, they're sold out in many places and at LAF.org. Theyre selling on ebay for 2-5 dollars each. The more popular they become the more money will be raised for this good cause.

The only problem with ebay is that the profit is NOT going to LAF then its a fashion statement

The only problem with ebay is that the profit is NOT going to LAF then its a fashion statement

Indeed. Now that the wristbands are backordered on the site, will give people more of a reason to turn to ebay.

I agree, I'm a phucking hypocrite myself, you can't avoid the dang stuff, it's everywhere, and I even have to admit that some of it is pretty darn useful, too. Still, I'm sure plastics could be manufactured in a more environmentally benign and acceptable way, if only the manufacturers were willing to change their processing and waste management practices slightly...anyway, my point is that we've made our own bed, and now we're lying in it, so to speak. Since we've conquered most infectious childhood diseases, we live longer and cancer and other 'lifestyle' diseases are now the leading causes of death in western societies. Most cancers have an environmental / lifestyle component to them, hell, the majority of cancers are caused by what we smoke, breathe, eat and drink, and although there is certainly a modicum of denial involved, most smokers know full well what the potential consequences of smoking are. Our food is full of preservatives, pesticides and other additives, our air is full of toxic emissions from vehicles and industry. Everyone has a relative or friend who has either won or lost the 'battle' with cancer. Can we expect anything less, given the circumstances?

You act as though cancer rates are increasing, when in reality they have decreased (please note, I'm not trying to start an argument, just pointing out how donations, research, trials, and drug companies do make a difference). I am a cancer survivor a understand its causes (environmental and natural). I think there is a mis perception on cancer rates. But with increased population (like with anything else) there will be more cases of cancer.

http://cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/ReportNation2004release


The nation's leading cancer organizations report that Americans' risk of getting and dying from cancer continues to decline and survival rates for many cancers continue to improve. The "Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2001*" finds overall observed cancer incidence rates dropped 0.5 percent per year from 1991 to 2001, while death rates from all cancers combined dropped 1.1 percent per year from 1993 to 2001. According to the report's authors, the new data reflect progress in prevention, early detection, and treatment; however, not all segments of the U.S. population have benefited equally from the advances.

I don't care who in the media's eye is wearing the bands. I have lost friends & family to cancer. My father is in a successful battle with cancer as I write this. His success, his very survival, is due to modern research, in part funded by efforts like this.

I wear the band, my father wears one I sent him, and I have given the band to friends who have survived cancer, or lost loved one to cancer. Some of them ride, some barely know who Lance Armstrong is.

The devil with trends, fashion & politics. To me, it is about helping find a cure for one of the evils of our time.

Most of my bike buddies are now wearing them, I noticed yesterday..I was surprised, they were not at my favorite bike shops..Surprised by that...Don't have one yet.
Guess I will eventually have one...
Would be proud to wear them, to me it would show I am a booster of Lance Armstrong's causes..Does it necessarily identify us as cyclists.?..I know of one non-cyclist to wear one.
It if does identify us as cyclists in support of Armstrongs' causes, that is all the better. Fashion statement. I hope not...Of those Wearing them yesterday, their first comments were : got you yellow band yet.? It supports LA's cancer survivor's foundation...Hope we all think that way.
One qualifier, at one time I wore a bike chain on my wrist..I would get used to it and forget..ONce, twice went to bed with it on...(It was a Xmas gift.) My wife got scrapped by the chain..That was the last of it. Yellow bands are less abrasive.?

I wear mine in memory of my grandfather and recently, an aunt, who both lost their battles with cancer. It reminds me of their struggles they had and it comforts me in knowing that the money raised by buying the bracelets is going towards research that hopefully will one day find the cure for cancer. It also is comforting to know that the money raised for the LAF goes to help those who have survived cope with the changes that are now part of their lives. I could care less if the bracelet clashes with what I am wearing. Go ahead, call the fashion police- see if I care!

The only problem with ebay is that the profit is NOT going to LAF then its a fashion statement

yeah that part sucks but the people selling them on ebay are still buying them from LAF so LAF still profits.

yeah that part sucks but the people selling them on ebay are still buying them from LAF so LAF still profits.

Bottomline is LAF is not geting any of the "extra" profit, that constitutes a moral wrong on this side.

Fashion Accessory or not, at least people are putting money into the cause.

My wife, a cancer survivor for one year now, was a little upset when we were at a party this weekend and people were talking about the wristband as a fashion trend rather than talking about the cause behind it or the people affected by cancer. Actually, some people thought the wristband was in support of LA and his victory at TdF. I understand my wife's feelings. But for those who are not immediately affected by cancer, do you wear the wristband because it is popular or are you aware of and support the cause behind LAF. I'm just curious.


What kills me is that you can buy these from Lance's foundation for pennies apiece, but they're going for over $10 on ebay.

I wish you could comment on what people were selling. That would help.

I wish you could comment on what people were selling. That would help.

I think he is commenting on the bands going for inflated prices.



I got the band(X10) because it supports a good cause. I'm going to wear the band because I think it looks good.

I wish you could comment on what people were selling. That would help.

I don't know what thread you're reading, but this one is about "LA's Yellow Wristbands" They're being sold on ebay for a bundle more than they're worth. If you want one, go to Lance's site.

You can get them at: www.laf.org

First off, the bands are branded by Nike, and I bought a few at a Nike Outlet. The Trek dealers don't sell them in my area.

Second, I don't give a flying **** about fashion.

Last, I don't know ANYONE that hasn't had to deal with a friend or family member, and a few themselves, that haven't fought cancer. I'm 31, and have had to deal with the deaths of a few peers to cancer, and a few more relitives. I don't want to meet a person so sheltered that he/she doesn't know what cancer is.

As for politics, Lance is a friend of W, but doesn't agree with him.(Every Second Counts). As for how he votes, that his busniess. Private citizens don't have to divulge who he/she votes for in the USA.

i wear mine for my dad who had the same cancer as lance. Also for my Grandpa who now has cancer, and getting over it. So i dont like the fact that people do wear them just to be cool, but also i do like there money that goes to the fundation. Its a hard call to make, but if ya have one on and you know why its on your fine with me

I made a donation in excess of the cost of my band and wear it in memory of my grandfather who had prostate cancer. I'm sure some people are wearing them as "fashion items" or to be "cool" - hence the ebay listings (which make me angry). But I think most people are wearing them because they either support the cause or Lance, or both. That's fine with me, as long as the money is still going to the right place.

I've also had many people ask me about my band and I directed each to www.laf.org so its intended purpose is working nicely. Back to the ebay deal - I recommend everyone offended by that register a complaint; I did...

I have emailed some profiteers on ebay telling them that they are a$$Os. Don't know how they live with themselves.

On the one hand, it would be great if everyone (including posters here) wearing the bracelets knew what the bands were for (i.e. the distinction between finding a cure for cancer and helping those (survivors and battlers) live with the dreaded disease).

On the other hand, who cares why so many wear the bracelets, as long as every one sold is supporting LAF's LiveStrong campaign.

My wife, a cancer survivor for one year now, was a little upset when we were at a party this weekend and people were talking about the wristband as a fashion trend rather than talking about the cause behind it or the people affected by cancer. Actually, some people thought the wristband was in support of LA and his victory at TdF. I understand my wife's feelings. But for those who are not immediately affected by cancer, do you wear the wristband because it is popular or are you aware of and support the cause behind LAF. I'm just curious.

You can't expect people that haven't been effected by cancer to have the same perspective as someone who is a survivor. That isn't reasonable. I think it is ok to wear the bracelet as a fashion statement. To wear it and say you are doing it "for survivors" is to imply that you know what it is like to be a survivor.

I think that is more fake than just wearing it for a fashion statement. I just ordered a bracelet. I do have cancer survivors in my family. However, i have to be honest and say i mainly ordered it because i am addicted to cycling and think anything with cycling is pretty cool. If it has collateral meaning that makes it even better.