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Luke Armstrong’s invention of the day

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13 Comments

Good day, everybody.

Sometimes your children surprise you in the most amazing ways.

Today I got back to Austin from our trip to New Orleans and a quick stop-over in Denver, where I gave a speech this morning. I returned home right around the time the kids were getting back from school.

Luke’s school has a program where the kids have to sit down and think of an invention and write about it. Part of the fun is getting to draw their inventions on these shirts. So when I got home, Luke was wearing the T-shirt you see here which has CANCER with a circle around it and a line through it.

So I said, “Luke, what’s up with that T-shirt?” And he said, “This is my invention. It’s a pill that cures cancer. You put the pill in a cup of water and it fizzes and bubbles. You drink the water and it cures the cancer.”

I was incredibly moved and amazed that my 8-year old son, when given the opportunity to invent anything ?¢?Ǩ?Äú a car, a plane, a spaceship, a flying carpet, anything ?¢?Ǩ?Äú chose a pill to cure the disease I’ve dedicated my life to fighting.

It was all the more surprising to me because we don’t discuss cancer that much at home. They know I work on cancer but I don’t usually make it a topic because I’m not sure how much 8- and 6-year olds will understand about the disease.

I was truly touched by his invention and wanted to share it with you.

Wouldn’t his old man love it if that dream came true some day, for all of us.

Enjoy the invention. Hope everyone has a great day.

LIVESTRONG,
Lance

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  • http://xanga.com/ckuretich christin

    absolutely beautiful, I am totally touched by that. it’s a testament to the impact you’ve had on your children, even without discussing it all the time – they get it, and they want to make a difference. amazing.

    Lance, I found your blog about a month ago – my husband and I have been huge fans of you and the Tour for years, and in 2006 my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer (only 30 years old). We are now in our second battle with it, but your story and your courage have really helped him (and me!) press on through some tough times. Know that your story and experience and your continued fight is no small thing – it will make a difference for years to come. Thank you for all you’re giving back, too – we want to do the same thing.

  • http://teamdownone.com Brian Dowd

    We go through life hoping our children learn a few things from you and this just shows what a great job you are doing (knowing you keep most of it out of your house)

    You do a great job Lance!

  • Annemieke

    I think it’s amazing your son picked up on how important this battle is for you, even though you don’t make it a topic in your house. It’s beautiful he feels the urge to help his dad with his life work. I don’t think you need encouragment to keep doing the great things you do but if you do, this must be it. You obviously lead by example,keep doing that! I deeply admire your effort and character!

  • http://home.comcast.net/~scottjoy Scott Joy

    Way to go, Luke! May your invention come to fruition in your lifetime.

  • Vicky

    Hi Lance! Saw you @MSKCC this past week with my daughter & husband (patient). I had wanted to ask how you dealt with your DX with your kids. Thanks for your inspiration.

  • Matt McNelley

    Luke might not be far off. I’ve always wondered how much of the health care industry would cease to exist if a cure was found. Would they be willing to let that $$$$ go?

  • Keith

    This is what I commented on yrs and yrs ago when my grandfather was battling prostate cancer that metastasized to bone cancer. I wanted a magic pill that would cure everyone in the world!! Now here I am, just diagnosed last month with testicular cancer myself. Waiting for oncologist in 2 days, but sure would be nice if it were just drinking a glass of fizzy stuff!!! thanks lance (and luke) for sharing

  • John Darwin Kurc

    Hey Lance…My little brother died at MD Anderson 15 years ago from brain cancer. I am your biggest fan. Get Luke to let you sell his shirts….I want to buy one. VERY COOL. I am riding the hill country in April so watch for the peloton. 8-)

  • http://www.rideforcraig.org John Darwin Kurc

    Oh….And I am peddling from Houston to Indy, this August, to raise money for the LAF. My friend Spencer (in Charlotte) wants you to come see us at the 24 Hours of Booty this year.

  • Rachel King

    I lost my Dad to cancer on 07/07/07. Wish we had had a pill so that He could still be with us. I miss him so much. You are an inspiration to us all Lance. Thanks for all you’ve done.

  • Josh

    That is a Big “T” shirt.

  • Josh

    My Mother, Nancy Lampert had a brain tumor, she is cancer free, I am going to show her the picture of Luke in his big “T” shirt, my Mother is an artist and I think she will like the graphic on Luke’s “T” shirt.

  • Josh

    I showed this web site to my Mother, Nancy Lampert, who said Luke Armstrong is a “Cute Kid”!