INSPIRING 16-YEAR-OLD NAMED FIRST
JUNIOR SPIRIT OF SURVIVORSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
Alex Oden Overcomes Brain Tumor, Lives Strong

AUSTIN, Texas — October 07, 2004 — The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is proud to name 16-year-old Alexander Oden the recipient of the first annual Junior Spirit of Survivorship Award. Alex will receive a $5,000 college scholarship with his award, which will be presented next Saturday, October 16, during the 2004 Ride for the Roses Weekend.

“The Junior Spirit of Survivorship Award honors a young person living with cancer who has demonstrated a resilient attitude toward his or her diagnosis and inspired others to live strong,” said Mitch Stoller, president and CEO of the LAF. “Alex Oden is a remarkable kid. His efforts in fundraising, volunteer work and outreach have truly made a difference in the lives of people battling cancer.”

Diagnosed with germinoma, a germ cell brain tumor, in August 2000 at the age of 12, Alex spent the following four years making a significant impact in the fight against cancer. During his recovery from a bone marrow transplant, Alex and his mother began training together for a sprint triathlon. He used the race to raise $8,500 in pledges for Tee Up For Tots, a grassroots foundation that supports families affected by pediatric cancer. The success of the event inspired his family to support Alex through many more races and charity events. He helped raise a substantial amount of funds for a number of cancer organizations, including nearly $35,000 in three years for the LAF’s major fundraising program, the Peloton Project.

“I grew up fast,” Alex said after joining the Peloton. “I try not to let a day go by without doing something meaningful.”

Alex will be presented the award during Saturday night’s Ride Weekend event, “A Conversation with Lance,” which will feature an interview with Lance Armstrong by NBC “Today Show” news anchor Ann Curry about the challenges faced by people living with cancer. Tickets for the event, which will be at Austin Convention Center, are on sale now at www.laf.org.

The LAF received 160 nominations for 56 nominees for the inaugural award. Finalists included CJ Howard of Irvine, CA; Andy Fluhart of Columbia, MO; Shelby Robin of The Woodlands, TX; Caryn Domzalski of Roswell, NY; Alexander Fields of Cincinnati, OH; and Kyle Rattray of Sunnyside, WA.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in your battle with cancer, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis we provide the practical information and tools you need to live strong. The LAF focuses its activities on public health initiatives, national advocacy, research, and survivorship education and resources, including Live Strong, the LAF's comprehensive resource for cancer survivors. The LAF was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.laf.org and www.livestrong.org.