LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION AWARDS $1.7 MILLION IN NEW COMMUNITY GRANTS
Innovative Community Programs Will Help People with Cancer Live Strong

AUSTIN, Texas - August 9, 2005 - The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is thrilled to award more than $1.7 million in grants to 31 community, non-profit organizations across the country for programs that help people with the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer.  Last year, the LAF awarded $1 million in community program grants that helped people with cancer live strong.

Through its community program, the LAF provides financial assistance and practical advice for community-centered initiatives that serve the needs of people living with cancer as identified by the National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship.  Developed for the public health community by the LAF and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this comprehensive plan helps health organizations, physicians and caregivers understand and address the needs of people with cancer. 

"We are pleased to support these community organizations in their efforts to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and their loved ones at all stages of the cancer survivorship continuum," said Andy Miller, associate director of public health at the LAF.  "Together, we are helping people with cancer live strong." 

The LAF awarded grants in four areas: cancer pain, palliative and end-of-life care; physical activity and nutrition; education and support for people living with cancer.  Each grant recipient completed a rigorous application process, and proposals were reviewed by a selection committee of LAF staff members, cancer survivors and cancer community experts and advisors.

Community program grant recipients will attend the LAF's 2nd Annual Community Program Conference, Building a Community of Hope, August 26-28, 2005, at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., which will offer information and tools about collaboration, program evaluation and communications.  Hosted by the LAF at no cost to the organizations, conference attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss challenges and exchange best practices.

Since its inception in 2001, the LAF's community program has awarded more than $3.7 million to non-profit organizations across the country.

This fall, the LAF will offer grants in support of project planning and project evaluation.  Applications must be submitted through the LAF's website between August 29, 2005, at 9 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT), and September 9, 2005, at 5 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT).  Only the first 100 applications received during this time period will be accepted.  Visit www.livestrong.org/rfp/fall to learn more about the LAF's fall 2005 grant cycle and how to apply.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in your battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything.  From the moment of diagnosis we provide the practical information and tools you need to live strong.  We serve our mission through public health, advocacy, research and education, including the LIVESTRONG™ 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.livestrong.org.