LAF Timeline

10 years of the Lance Armstrong Foundation

1996 
At age 25, Lance Armstrong is one of the world's best cyclists, winning the World Championships, the Tour de Pont, and multiple Tour de France stages. On October 2, he is diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer which spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain. Lance declares himself a survivor - not a victim - and takes an active role in educating himself about his disease. Armed with knowledge, support and confidence in medicine he undergoes aggressive treatment and beats the disease.


1997 
Lance establishes the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF).

LAF hosts its inaugural fundraising cycling race.


1998 
LAF awards its first research grant.

LAF hosts its inaugural fundraising gala.

1999 
In one of the greatest comeback stories of all time, Lance wins cycling's most grueling race less than three years after being diagnosed with cancer.  By accomplishing what most thought was impossible, Lance inspires cancer survivors around the world.

LAF establishes the Founder's Circle for donors who give $500,000+.

LAF establishes its grassroots fundraising initiative with 150 participants.

2000 
LAF funds cancer survivorship programs at Cook Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas and the University of Pennsylvania.

2001
LAF awards its first Community Program Grant to Wonders & Worries in Austin, Texas.

2002
LAF launches its Community Program to fund survivorship programs in Central Texas.

Lance is appointed to the NCI President's Cancer Panel.

2003
LAF Community Program expands nationwide and funds programs focused on physical activity, adolescents/young adults and survivorship education.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Endowment is established.

LIVESTRONG.org is launched as an online resource for cancer survivors.

LAF receives a 5-year cooperative agreement with the Centers or Disease Control and Prevention to address cancer survivorship in medically underserved populations.

2004 
LAF launches LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare .

The LIVESTRONG wristband and Wear Yellow Live Strong campaign begin.

LAF Community Program begins focus on palliative and end-of-life care programs and awards first multi-year grants.

LAF awards its first Young Investigator research grants.

LAF releases the National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

LAF hosts inaugural Community Program Conference, Building a Community of Hope

LAF receives 4-Star Charity Navigator ranking with more than 80% of LAF expenses invested in mission-related activities and grants.

LAF hosts inaugural LIVESTRONG Day.

The LIVESTRONG Notebook is introduced.

LAF establishes the National Partnership Program with other leading cancer organizations.

2005 
LAF sells more than 55 million wristbands.

7,200 grassroots fundraisers raise more than $7 million for the LAF.

LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence Network is established with five centers and 15 community affiliates.

LAF hosts LIVESTRONG Ride in Portland.

LAF hosts LIVESTRONG Gala in New York City.

LAF reaches out to underserved populations through Living After Cancer education series.

The LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance is established.

LAF awards $500,000 to assist survivors affected by Hurricane Katrina.


2006 
LAF hosts inaugural LIVESTRONG Summit.

Four additional populations are added to Living After Cancer education series.

LAF releases the report, "Closing the Gap:  Research and Care Imperatives for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer," in collaboration with the National Cancer Istitute.

100 cancer advocates from all 50 states in Washington, D.C. and participants in over 120 local events across the country urge Congress to make funding for cancer research and programs a national priority on LIVESTRONG Day.

LAF launches the LIVESTRONG Challenge with runs, walks and rides in 5 cities across the nation.