Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Challenge Experience: Philly

You don't have to be a superhero to help save a life. But if you sign up to participate in any of the Lance Armstrong Foundation "LIVESTRONG" events this year, you'll feel like a superhero. Or better yet, you may even feel a little like Lance.

Armstrong went down in history as a 7 time Tour de France winner, a feat no one before or since has accomplished. More remarkable, he accomplished this feat after pulling himself from the brink of death from testicular cancer (with the help of dedicated medical professionals and his friends and family). Now, Armstrong has given back millions upon millions of dollars for research, advocacy, and support. But above all of that, he has given the cancer community hope.

Each year the Lance Armstrong Foundation holds a series of fundraising events across the country. The LIVESTRONG Challenge is an event where participants challenge themselves to a choice of athletic events. There is a 5K run/walk, a 10, 40, 70, and 100-mile bicycle ride. Participants push themselves physically as a demonstration of their support for the LAF's mission to fight cancer. They find supporters to fundraise for the cause. And in the end, they raise an awful lot of money for an extremely worthy cause. Hailed as the LAF's "signature event," the LIVESTRONG Challenge is inspiring to attend, and transforming to those who participate.

This year the LIVESTRONG Challenge will take place in Philadelphia on August 25-26, in Portland, Oregon September 29-30, and Lance's home turf of Austin, Texas October 12-14. As of this writing, the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG Challenge alone has raised 1.4 million dollars to fight cancer.

But once you arrive at this event, it becomes clear it's not about the money. Last year at the Philly Challenge, I was amazed by the sheer number of people gathered together-all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Some were as fit as professional athletes; some were losing their fight with the devastating disease. Most looked a lot like you and me. All were wearing that yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the wristband that started it all.

Participants check in on Saturday at the LIVESTRONG Village-an entire event in itself with tents of Trek and Nike vendors, food, cancer awareness, raffles, and merchandise. Bike mechanics are on hand to fine tune your bicycle and hook you up with spare tubes in case you get a flat on the course. The mood is happy, and hopeful, and downright meaningful. You are there and what you are doing there matters. That is how it feels to be a part of this LIVESTRONG movement.

The feeling lingers into the following day of the Challenge. And you are glad, because it's that uplifting spirit that takes you through the last difficult miles of the ride. After the athletics are over, the masses gather for food, cancer community advocacy, and a concert to celebrate the accomplishment of every participant. Spirits are good, and by seeing the smiles on the faces of those who struggle and fight cancer every day, you know all the effort of fundraising and muscle strain was more than worth it.

"The dream is we get rid of the disease forever. That is the dream," said Armstrong via the LIVESTRONG website in a video statement. Mr. Armstrong is scheduled to appear at each LIVESTRONG Challenge this year, although it is not know when and where. His presence alone reinforces his foundation's message: Courage. Inspiration. Hope.