Statements by Lance Armstrong, Foundation Vice Chairman Jeffery C. Garvey and Leaders in the Cancer Community

SOURCE: Lance Armstrong Foundation

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Aug 23, 2012) - Today, Lance Armstrong issued the following statement regarding his decision not to seek arbitration in USADA's proceeding against him:

"Today I turn the page. I will no longer address this issue, regardless of the circumstances. I will commit myself to the work I began before ever winning a single Tour de France title: serving people and families affected by cancer, especially those in underserved communities. This October, my Foundation will celebrate 15 years of service to cancer survivors and the milestone of raising nearly $500 million. We have a lot of work to do and I'm looking forward to an end to this pointless distraction. I have a responsibility to all those who have stepped forward to devote their time and energy to the cancer cause. I will not stop fighting for that mission."

Vice Chairman and Founding Chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Jeffery C. Garvey issued the following statement in support of Armstrong's decision:

"Faced with a biased process whose outcome seems predetermined, Lance chose to put his family and his foundation first and we support his decision.

"Lance's legacy in the cancer community is unparalleled. Lance could have left cancer behind him and never looked back. Instead, before ever winning the Tour de France, he established a foundation that today has served 2.5 million cancer survivors with its free patient navigation services. With his leadership, Texas created the largest fund for cancer research and prevention outside of the federal realm with Proposition 15 in 2007. Lance has personally contributed nearly $6.5 million to propel his foundation's services to cancer survivors and their families. He served his nation for six years on the President's Cancer Panel. With his help, the foundation has raised close to $500 million to further the fight against cancer and serve those affected by the disease. Lance's devotion to cancer survivors shines through in the countless phone calls, emails and visits he makes throughout the year, something the rest of the world never hears about. Lance has unfailingly stood by the cancer community and we will always stand by him.

"The leadership of the Lance Armstrong Foundation remain incredibly proud of our founder's achievements, both on and off the bike. Lance's contributions to the fight against cancer are invaluable and we look forward to continuing the important work at hand: helping people affected by cancer overcome the financial, emotional and practical challenges related to the disease."

Garvey was joined in his support of Armstrong by leaders in the cancer community, including John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, and Matthew L. Myers, president, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

"The American Cancer Society and the Lance Armstrong Foundation share a mission to reduce global suffering and death from cancer, which causes one in eight deaths worldwide and is rapidly becoming a global pandemic," said Seffrin. "The American Cancer Society, along with so many others, has witnessed the Foundation's powerful personal commitment to improving the quality of life of those with cancer, and fighting cancer globally. It is our hope that the Foundation will continue its important work. Reducing suffering and death from cancer is a moral imperative, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation's contribution is sorely needed."

"Lance Armstrong and LIVESTRONG have been invaluable leaders and partners in the fight against cancer and tobacco use," said Myers. "They have helped focus global attention on these urgent public health challenges and mobilized millions of cancer survivors and their families to take action. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has worked closely with Lance Armstrong and LIVESTRONG in tobacco prevention campaigns across the country and the world. Those of us who have worked with Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG and its staff have been deeply impressed by their dedication to improving public health and serving those whose lives have been touched by cancer. We look forward to their continuing work to help cancer survivors and prevent cancer from happening in the first place."

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation became a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer throughout the world. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Known for its powerful brand -- LIVESTRONG -- the Foundation is also a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people living with cancer today. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised nearly $500 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=1694093&sourceType=3

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