Still angry about Lance Armstrong's deceit and tyranny? Then check out this reader's story
Published: 1/16/2013 5:16 PM
Last Modified: 1/16/2013 5:18 PM
I need to share an email I received after my Tuesday column on Lance Armstrong.
Although I tried, I probably fell short in portraying my feelings about Armstrong’s “heroism” as a brave cancer survivor who not only beat the disease but helped millions of others do so as well. (A link to that column can be found just to the right side of this page.)
I certainly never could have succeeded as well as this reader, for reasons that will become obvious.
The reader approved my excerpting certain sentiments, but asked that I not publish any names.
“You expressed my exact feelings about this fallen hero,” the reader wrote.
The reader once volunteered at a Tulsa triathlon (presumably in the mid- to late-1980s) and even handed Armstrong his “transition bag” during the race. The reader also has a family member who later joined one of Armstrong’s sponsored cycling teams.
More to the point, the reader explains a deep appreciation for Armstrong’s battle, recovery, and dedication to cancer awareness, research and funding through his Livestrong Foundation.
“The LiveStrong Foundation has helped me more times than I can count in my three-year battle against stage IV colon cancer,” the reader wrote. “While there are other “specialty” cancer organizations, LiveStrong doesn’t care what type of cancer you have — they’ll help you fight it. LiveStrong fought Oklahoma’s Unemployment Commission when they said I couldn’t draw unemployment because I had cancer and was disabled (after having been terminated for using all my sick time on chemo).
“They also fought for me when my insurance company refused to pay $85,000 for previously approved Cyber-Knife radiation treatment. Every time I have contacted them, one of their case managers has called back within (an) hour and began working on and solving my problem. No other organization will do that for every cancer victim.”
Cancer affects so many of us on so many levels. In 2005, I lost a loved one to breast cancer. But until we’ve been through an event like the one described above, it’s hard to comprehend just what Livestrong does, and, given the widely popular climate of public outrage toward Armstrong right now, it’s hard not to be cynical about Armstrong’s commitment and contributions.
“I appreciate your thoughtful comments about my hero,” the reader wrote. “He’s done more good than harm.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Written by
John E. Hoover
Sports Columnist
