LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR LAY GRANT REVIEWERS
Help the LAF Award Funding for Survivorship Research and Community Program

AUSTIN, Texas - March 6, 2006 - The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) currently is accepting applications for LIVESTRONG™ Research and Community Program Grant Reviewers to evaluate cancer survivorship grant applications submitted for LAF funding in 2006.  The LAF will select up to 40 lay reviewers based on applicants' personal experiences with cancer and their abilities to commit to the grant review process. 

The LAF awards research and community program grants through a review process that involves the general public of cancer survivors, as well as experts in the field of cancer survivorship.  According to the LAF, cancer survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis and includes those who have been diagnosed with cancer as well as the people in their lives who are affected by the diagnosis, including family members, friends and caregivers. 

"Cancer survivors offer a unique and invaluable perspective on the many issues of cancer survivorship," said Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, director of the National Cancer Institute and a cancer survivor.  "Adding survivors to the committee will enhance the funding of research that will have the greatest possible benefit to the cancer community." 

LIVESTRONG grant reviewers must dedicate approximately 30-40 hours during several weeks to reviewing 15-20 grant applications, writing critiques and scoring applications.  Other trainings, meetings, conference calls and responsibilities will vary between grant reviewers for the research program and the community program.

"Through its survivorship research and community program, the LAF provides financial assistance to projects that focus on the physical, psychosocial, and practical challenges of cancer," said Andy Miller, director of survivorship programs for the LAF.  "By funding research and community-centered programs, we are making positive advances in the issues that matter most to cancer survivors."

Interested parties can apply to become a reviewer within the LAF's research program, the community program or both.  Applications and two letters of recommendation are due to the LAF no later than April 15, 2006.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  To apply or to learn more, visit www.livestrong.org.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. We help people with cancer focus on living; we believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.livestrong.org.