The entire world is faced with a series of global challenges that require something other than the same old nonproductive approach. At the present, the world is in need of individuals and organizations with new directions, unique visions, and fresh ideas. The problems facing the world such as global warming, poverty, increased population growth, reduced resources, and increased religious conflicts are real and troublesome.
For instance, many countries are struggling to provide affordable healthcare to their cancer patients. With regard to the treatment of cancer, there have been concerns about whether humans are approaching or addressing the problem in the appropriate way. Cancer is still ranked as the global killer disease, its treatment is still costly, and many people are still not informed about the disease. However, since the formation of Livestrong Foundation global cancer awareness has been enhanced. This essay focuses on how the organization is striving to make the world a better place to live by enhancing the lives of cancer victims.
A cancer survivor victim founded the organization in the year 1997. Lance Armstrong, Tour de France race champion, was diagnosed with the disease at the peak of his career (Armstrong & Jenkins, 2000). By the time the testicular cancer was diagnosed, it had spread to other parts of his body including the lungs and the brain. Armstrong undertook a vigorous program of physical conditioning and medical treatment.
In the course of this program, Armstrong came up with Livestrong Foundation. He defeated the disease in the year 1998. He later resumed his career in the same year, and won various medals between the years 1999 and 2005. Armstrong and the organization believe that strength, awareness, and attitudes are the key elements of fighting cancer. Since its formation, the organization has stressed on prevention approach as a way of defeating cancer. The organization has been successful in giving individuals access to screening and care and supporting cancer researches.
In the year 2004, the organization with the help of its founder started the production of bracelets. Numerous of these bracelets have been sold globally bringing millions of proceeds. The proceeds have been channeled towards cancer awareness programs and cancer researches. Through the proceeds and donations, the foundation has been able to expand its operations to various regions such as South Africa and Mexico. By doing so, the organization aims at denouncing the common myths and stigmas associated with cancer patients all over the world. In its bid to fight the disease, the organization uses survivors’ testimonies to encourage cancer patients that they can conquer the disease.
The organization has several printouts of survivors’ testimonies illustrating how they defeated the disease. These testimonies can be accessed on the organization’s website. By doing so, the organization has raised global cancer awareness giving hope to millions of individuals and breaking stigma linked to the disease (Scioli & Biller, 2009).
Similarly, through the above initiatives the organization has been able to collaborate with other healthcare organizations with the aim of emphasizing on crucial issues related to cancer. With this, the organization has been able to persuade several governments to enhance cancer treatment and preventions and execute national cancer registries. Through the above programs, it is apparent that the organization has made and continues to make the world a better place to live.
References
Armstrong, L., & Jenkins, S. (2000). It’s not about the bike: my journey back to life. New York: Putnam.
Scioli, A., & Biller, H. B. (2009). Hope in the age of anxiety. Oxford: Oxford University Press.