Hello Lance,

While our healthcare system is in need of efficiency reforms, we need to be cautious of how we implement those changes. I dont agree with the current plan proposed by President Obama. It is simply too costly! There are definite efficiencies to be achieved from our current health care system that will generate significant savings to implement the changes needed.

The size and population of the US does not allow us to ease into a system as Europe or Canada have (which by the way it is not optimal either). Based on sound planning, a good place to start is to see how efficiencies in the current system can be gained: how can we improve preventive care, how our contracting process can be optimized, what additional controls can be put in place and particularly how our biddging for services can be improved to reduce costs.

YES, we do need to make changes, but let’s please not rush into passing a healthcare reform bill that we cannot afford. The US has the highest effective tax rate in the world. We CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY MORE TAXES THAN WE CURRENTLY DO AND OUR CHILDREN SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MISTAKES OF OUR GENERATION.

BTW, my family and I are enormous fans of yours. I would not have taken the time to comment unless I admired you as an athlete, professional and for your tenacity in your work to fight cancer. I am on your team and, yes, healthcare reform is needed. Let?s evaluate and consider alternatives. No plan is perfect on its first draft! I hate to have career politicians continue to make more decisions that are not fully evaluated, only to realize later the additional burden placed on the American people. How are our children going to pay for all of the stimulus and ramped government spend?

Lance:

I’m from the UK originally but now live in florida and formerly San Francisco for 8 years. I bought my first real road bike in 2004 the day of your TDF victory. Inspired by you, I have now completed 3 centuries and am now, like you, back on my bike again after a while out of the saddle. I enjoyed riding mount Tampalais in California and although the hills are non existant here in FL the heat is a definite factor.

Conicidentally, having gotten my bike out again recently from watching you in the 2009 TDF I learned just the other day that Mum in England has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. She was diagnosed 20 years ago and had a mastectomy back then. On Monday of this week she enetered a UK hostpital for treatment on the National Health Service. The operation is complete, but many tests will follow and we are all staying positive. To me, your story is an inspiration, a way to cope, hope, and keep moving forward. To my Mum, who is not a bike rider, you mean the same. She has read all you books in the years past. She is fighting for her life now and I KNOW that you are helping her as much as you are helping me. You are so right ….It’s not about the bike.

Your so right to support a national health care programme. We have this is the UK and its a godsend. In my opinion, it’s a fundamental human right. I know there are flaws with the UK system but it comes down to treating people based on human needs not financial ability.

Finally, I want to thank you. I’m sure you cannot realize how much you affect and inspire people. There must be thousands of people who think of Lance Armstrong when there is a need to dig deep in tackling cancer either directly or indirectly. Just the other days I said to my Mum how she needs to keep fighting and staying strong, “just like Lance”. She agreed.

I’ll be on my bike tomorrow, and when I feel weak, tired or feel like giving up I know that is not an option, just like its not an option for you and my Mum.

Keep on keeping on Lance and thanks again, from the bottom of my heart.

Cheers,

Ben

you also clearly have an amazing talent which is great to watch.

i wish you all the best in the tdf as well as with all your wonderful cancer awareness work.

Lance,

A very big fan of yours and everything you do regarding the fight for cancer. As an Expat in France, I talk to many people who pay taxes in the range of 50-60% for the privilege of a National Health Care system – We can’t do it the same way. We need a better plan than what is on the board today.

Good luck to today.

Good luck on the tour Lance..
Even though i’m way over here in Australia health care reform is a universal issue that needs to be addressed across all countries. As the United States is seen as such a huge economy with even greater health care issues-it also has the opportunity to show leadership in this area.

In its simplest form thye role of government should focus primarily on two important aspects heath & education. The opportunity to offer affordable health care & education access is the sign of a truly wealthy nation. Although i am not familiar with the issues in the USA I have an ill uncle who has been financially crippled die to the spiraling costs.

He was a WWII veteran and now is at the mercy of a system in desperate assistance. How about free health care for life for returning veterans.

In any case I applaud your efforts to bringing the issues of health to a world stage for greater awareness.
Live Strong and prosperous

God Bless

George

Lance,
Thanks for being one of the few people on this earth that has chosen to take a stand, not because it is popular, but because it is right. The inequalities in American healthcare shocked me as a resident in your fine country. The question that should be asked is not, “How will we afford it?” but rather “Why is the reform even in question when it is morally correct, and how can we reprioritise social policy to make the reform happen?”

Good luck in the race, whatever it may be. You inspire so many people and that will ultimately be more important than your inestimable talent as a cyclist.

Cheers from Scotland,

Gordon

As a Brit, I’ve often wondered at the disparity in the US about it’s great attitude to equality of opportunity on the one hand and lack of equity in its healthcare system on the other – so applause to those trying to change things for the better. As a cancer survivor for 18 months now, I also applaud the leadership role that the Livestrong campaign/Foundation is taking. Maybe it was only a non profit organisation rather than a governement or even UN agency that could do this on a global basis. I do know that lance’s story and energy have inspired me and thousand’s of others around the world. I am grateful for the hope that it brings and the acceptance that it is an issue that must be discussed and tackeled head on. “Vive Lance” “Siempre – hasta la victoria”

I’m a member of the uninsured club. Ovarian cancer, diagnosed in Nov. 2001. Felt like I won the cancer lottery, as it was stage 1. Had the luxury of health insurance at the time, which made all the difference in the world. With ovarian, even Stage 2 is considered advanced. I was one of the very few lucky women to find this early enough to beat it.

My employer doesn’t offer insurance, so I’ve gone without for several years. An individual policy is not an option because of my health history.

I try not to think about the ‘what if’. The terrible reality is, you can’t do anything to prevent or detect serious illness without basic access to health care… and that access simply is not affordable in the United States under the existing system.

I continue to hope that my government will pass legislation that makes affordable health insurance an option for every American.

Hi Lance,

As a huge fan of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign I would love to be able to generate support and funds here in the UK.

In order to gain support for the campaign, fundraisers need to be able to engage with people and persuade them to part with their hard earned cash during tough economic times.

A significant obstacle in doing this is the fact that the LIVESTRONG site only accepts $ currency and has a very strong US feel.

This is certainly not an issue to those of us that know all about LIVESTRONG and understand how the funds are used.

The British citizen however, fresh to the LIVESTRONG campaign, doesn?t easily understand this.

We talk about the Global issue and how we need to build support throughout the world with grassroots action but we can’t offer a website that engages at a grassroots level.

I’d love to volunteer to create a UK “portal” into the main LIVESTRONG site. A site that aggregates UK addresses and phone numbers of UK based support groups and that accepts UK currency. A site that tells the stories of UK sufferers and carers that appeals directly to the British public.

Surely this is an idea that could then be replicated in other countries throughout the world to create a truly Global Campaign?

Thanks for reading,

Ben G

You’re riding the TDF because you want to win it; raising awareness for cancer is at best an aside.

Lance,

You’re a true inspiration to millions fighting cancer and you are uniquely positioned to really make a difference in this battle. We in the US are truly blessed with the best treatments the world has to offer; it saved your life and many I know. My wife experienced this blessing first hand this last 8 months and was treated at MD Anderson. She was diagnosed early with stage I breast cancer, had two surgery’s, chemotherapy and radiation and now has a very good chance of beating this terrible disease. The care could not have been better and we are truly thankful. I agree, our health care system needs fundamental change. But, President Obama and the Congress are moving in an irresponsible way trying to do something while risking everything. There’s a reason thousands from all over the world flock to MD Anderson and the US for treatment. Let’s slow this reform down and perhaps read and understand legislation before we risk the system that has saved so many lives.

Livestrong!

Kent

As a business owner, and father, I understand the burden of high health care costs. Our system certainly needs an overhaul.

I am, however, extremely cautious of our government stepping in to run anything. I would encourage everyone to evaluate all our options before jumping on a ‘free universal health care system’.

Imagine universal health care next time you’re in line at the DMV.

Bmt

Please do not politicize the Livestrong battle. Livestrong’s battle transcends politics.

And it’s got nothing to do with Obama and Kennedy and those others whose politically-inspired “health care reform” plans will do nothing for our battle but will only bring the costliness and inefficiency of Medicare, Medicaid, VA hospitals and Canadian health care to our great country. I defy you to name one gov’t run program, of any type, in this country that is cost efficient and effective.

Lance,

There are many questions left unanswered in the nationalized health care area. One thing that I think we need to understand is that here in the USA, there is a miniature picture of what Nationalized Healthcare is going top look like. I am not talking Medicare/Medicaid.

The existing model is called the Veterans Administration Healthcare System. American peaople will not tolerate healthcare like this. I am not a cancer survivor. But my two year battle with chronic severe pain has been a healthcare nightmare. It wasn’t until a year and a half that I finally was accepted for my neurology referral. And this was with a Service Connected Neurological Disability.

My wife, also a vet has/is in her second possible threat with cancer. Her treatment is a slow moving caterpillar. The specialist who will hopefully perform her Thyroidectomy is out of country right now. He won’t be back from Africa for two more weeks. Once he returns, God only knows if it will be two more weeks until we know IF he will remove half or as my wife has chosen a total Thyroidectomy.

National Healthcare for our veterans is not managed well. Also National Healthcare for our veterans is not funded adaquately either. It is not healthcare as our legislators see it. Theirs is a preferential system and I am willing to bet much better funded. It is more better managed. And it is not what the rest of Americans will receive.

In closing, VA Healthcare is my only option, but I don’t go to the doc for every littleache and pain, nor am I like a lot of americans who go in to see their doc with the flu and require the Dr. prescribe the antibiotics. Antibiotics as you know Lance Do nothing for a viral infection. My comment is only valid on the patients viewpoint currently enrolled in National Medicine. It doesn’t even reflect on the Care providers vantagepoint.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share these thoughts.
Go Lance!

Marc

Hi Lance, what is the difference in cost of a “more routine testing” early-detection approach versus research for cures approach versus trying to do it all? I agree the cures are necessary but perhaps from a cost perspective and bang-for-buck impact a short-term focus on early detection may be more feasible? But I don’t know the data – and as you say knowledge is power – but I am passionate about being better informed.

Inspirational stuff in this year’s tour by the way….as always! and Carlton “yellows” did the LAF proud with their recent performance, not to mention funds raised.

cheers
Nick

People talk about the cost of health care but rarely do they talk about the cost of not having health care, the cost in actual dollars as people go to emergency rooms and the cost in human life as people do not receive the health care that could save their life. I have a friend who did not have health care ? he was a ski instructor during the winter months and a landscaper during the rest of the year. Since these jobs are seasonal, they were offered without health insurance. He recently died of cancer. He didn’t go in for yearly exams or for most health care needs, because it cost quite a bit of money and he just didn’t have much to go around. Last year, he was having problems with his back and finally decided to see a doctor. In addition to a back injury, they found that he was riddled with cancer. Although his house and possessions were sold to pay for his care, I am sure that the state or others had to pick up the bill for some of his final days. But the true loss is not in the dollars spent, but in the health care not received and the loss of my friend.

If you truly want to rid the world of cancer, then you must focus on its causes, not its effects. The true causes of cancer start with the poison in our foods. Until the politicians climb out of bed with the drug companies, the food companies, and the FDA, people like Monsanto will keep putting poison in what we eat – and telling us it is all safe – baloney! Over time the body can no longer keep up with eliminating all the poisons and this is when cancer can start to set in. Please put more focus into this area rather than worrying about how to fix things after the horse has already left the barn. If people took better care of themselves, they wouldn’t need as much health care. Thank you for all you do.

I am glad that Health Care Reform is actively being discussed, but I do not like to hear some of what has come out lately. I get sick of hearing how Senators are willing to pass the most recent Health Care Reform without reading it. Decisions, as critical as Health Care Reform, should not be made on a persons opinion, news media and what he/she “thought” was in the Bill.

As a cancer survivor I (we) know how the costs are too high, we have limited options and how we cannot continue to turn anyone away. Everyone deserves proper care. We have to find a way to serve everyone with the best medical attention possible to help in areas of education, prevention, treatments, surgery, etc.

We need Health Care! It should not be hard to get a team of people (from both sides) to work full-time on Health Care and create a point-by-point action plan and show what each action will deliver and the possible negative impacts. I know getting both sides together is difficult, but not impossible. A challenge YES, but never impossible! Too many excuses have been made over the years. It is time to take this topic serious and make an intelligent decision for change.

I am optimist so I have HOPE that something will get worked out and be the right choice.

Great work by the LAF on the LIVESTRONG Global movement. Seeing LIVESTRONG every where lately and it feels great to be a part of it.

LIVESTRONG!

Brian Dowd
LIVESTRONG Army Leader, Ocean County, NJ
Founder Team Down One

Lance,

I love you brother, but you can’t seriously believe that socialist policies like national health care will work…? It has failed miserably every where it’s tried…6 month waits in the UK for an MRI….three’s a reason Canadian doctors FLOCK to the United States to practice – it’s because nationalized health care doesn’t work. How about instead, we reduce the tax burden on businesses so that more of them can provide health care to employees as a benefit?

Good luck with the remaing TdF stages!

Dave

Thanks Lance for all the smart words and your defiance to the doctors report so many years ago. You have battled to fight cancer personally. I am one of those who our President typically refers to, I pay $500/month for my own healthcare and don’t want any help doing it!

When the budget for healthcare is set and then consumed what do we do then? Who pays, and who determines who gets covered?

Lance,
You just have a way of saying it straight from the HEART and we all feel it. Thank you for making this cancer crisis more aware to me so I can make sure I live each and every day “flat out” just like you live yours. Cancer will touch us all and I want to see what we can all do to help cure this disease asap. Livestrong Lance and I read all your Twitters each day and check out the video’s/photos so it is like I am right there ( along with 1.5M twitters) along side you at each stage. All the best and THANKS.
Cheers.
Dean

Hi Lance,

I’m also from the UK and up until my diagnosis with prostate cancer in 2005 was a very active competitive cyclist. Like many others I’ve followed you from before you started your fight with cancer and you have been (and still are) a real inspiration to me. Your comeback (and the way you have conducted yourself within the team) this year has proved just what a special individual you are.

The last four years have been a struggle, not only with my own health but in 2007 my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. Although given the all clear (both of us) in 2008, my wife Caroline has just been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and we are told only has months to live. We’ve been told that although treatment may slow down the disease, it will not stop it.

But it’s not all been bad news, we have both given so much back to the sport we are both passionate about, while helping others with cancer (my wife offers support to other sufferers). We run one of the best and largest cycle sportives in the UK and this year raised £20,000 for Cancer Research UK. I’m also a keen cycling photographer, so again I’m able to stay in touch with the sport.

But now I’m filled with a new passion. I intend to set up a foundation here in the UK to raise much needed funds for local cancer charities and would like your blessing. I had thought of calling this foundation LivestongUK, as we have both taken so much from your story – but would like to ask your permission. I realise you may not be able to answer personally, but hope you get to read this.

Livestrong Lance

Derek & Caroline

Lance,

While I truly appreciate all that you do for cancer awareness and the inspiration you provide people through your efforts on and off the bike. I have to take this opportunity to strongly disagree with what seems to be your apparent support for the Obama/Kennedy agenda which is a single-payer nationalized health-care system.

The system we have in place while not perfect, is the best system on the face of the earth, you should know from the cancer survival rates here in the U.S. compared to other major industrialized nations that have single-payer care like Canada and the UK. It is unfortunate that politicians use the exceptions rather than the rule to try and tear down the current system in an effort to take control over one of the largest sectors of the free market. The weight of regulations and government intervention along with the unwillingness to tackle effective TORT reform is what keeps costs so high in the US and prevents costs from getting under control.

There is already over 1700 private insurance companies that offer policies for a wide range of individuals in different situations. Adding a government option will not increase competition, what is one more option among 1700+, if anything it will crowd out the private sector because the government sets the rules and does not need to make a profit. Like in Canada and the US costs will only be controlled by rationing care, the stories are everywhere in the Canadian and UK press but no major media outlet here in the US picks up the stories because it doesn’t support the Obama agenda.

You are a man with incredible influence over thousands and even millions of people, I would expect you to be more responsible with that power and get truly informed as to what it is this administration is trying to do with healthcare “reform” instead of just accepting the rhetoric and double-speak of the politicians. If you read the House Bill as I have read large portion, it is a complete takeover of the system, it crowds out private options, penalizes those who do not wish to carry coverage, and will eventually lead to further loss of Liberty through influencing individual behavior. Nationalized Healthcare just means you are “covered”, it doesn’t mean you’ll actually get care, you may, but the waiting list that may be endured is already evident in the Canadian and UK systems.

If Obama and Kennedy are so hopped up about Nationalizing care with a “public option”, why are both the House and the Senate making up their Bills with language that exempts Congress from having to participate, if it is going to be so wonderful, why don’t they sign on the dotted line themselves and eat their own dog food.

I respect you enormously, but I must caution you that this current administration which is totally under the control of Liberal Democrats in every branch of Washington is more interested in power than providing care.

With sincerity,

Robert

Lance,
Much respect to you and your cause. Please remember that universal coverage does not guarantee universal care.

Stay out of politics and stick with cycling and promoting your cause.

Lance,
Congrats on a great race so far. You are an inspiration to us all. I think you need to do some home work on this Healthcare Bill. There are things in this bill that no American wants or will stand for. I doubt any of the health care you received would possible under this plan. Peter Fleckman is twitting about the plan paragraph by paragraph. Here’s a recap so far:

Peter Fleckstein (aka Fleckman) is reading it and has been posting on
Twitter his findings . This is from his
postings (Note: All comments are Fleckman’s)

Pg 22 of the HC Bill MANDATES the Govt will audit books of ALL EMPLOYERS
that self insure!!

Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC bill – THERE WILL BE A GOVT COMMITTEE that decides what
treatments/benes u get

Pg 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill – YOUR HEALTHCARE IS RATIONED!!!

Pg 42 of HC Bill – The Health Choices Commissioner will choose UR HC
Benefits 4 you. U have no choice!

PG 50 Section 152 in HC bill – HC will be provided 2 ALL non US citizens,
illegal or otherwise

Pg 58HC Bill – Govt will have real-time access 2 individuals’ finances & a
National ID Healthcard will be issued!

Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Govt will have direct access 2 ur banks accts 4
elect. funds transfer

PG 65 Sec 164 is a payoff subsidized plan 4 retirees and their families in
Unions & community orgs (ACORN).

Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Govt is creating an HC Exchange 2 bring priv HC plans under
Govt control.

PG 84 Sec 203 HC bill – Govt mandates ALL benefit pkgs 4 priv. HC plans in
the Exchange

PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill – Specs for of Benefit Levels for Plans = The Govt will
ration ur Healthcare!

PG 91 Lines 4-7 HC Bill – Govt mandates linguistic approp svcs. Example -
Translation 4 illegal aliens

Pg 95 HC Bill Lines 8-18 The Govt will use groups i.e., ACORN & Americorps 2
sign up indiv. for Govt HC plan

PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill – Specs of Ben Levels 4 Plans. #AARP members – U Health
care WILL b rationed

-PG 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill – Medicaid Eligible Indiv. will b
automat.enrolled in Medicaid. No choice

pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue GOVT on price fixing. No “judicial
review” against Govt Monop

pg 127 Lines 1-16 HC Bill – Doctors/ #AMA – The Govt will tell YOU what u
can make.

Pg 145 Line 15-17 An Employer MUST auto enroll employees into pub opt plan.
NO CHOICE

Pg 126 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay 4 HC 4 part time employees AND their
families.

Pg 149 Lines 16-24 ANY Emplyr w payroll 400k & above who does not prov. pub
opt. pays 8% tax on all payroll

pg 150 Lines 9-13 Biz w payroll btw 251k & 400k who doesnt prov. pub. opt
pays 2-6% tax on all payroll

Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesnt have acceptable HC accrdng 2
Govt will be taxed 2.5% of inc

Pg 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from indiv. taxes.
(Americans will pay)

Pg 195 HC Bill -officers & employees of HC Admin (GOVT) will have access 2
ALL Americans finan/pers recs

PG 203 Line 14-15 HC – “The tax imposed under this section shall not be
treated as tax” Yes, it says that

Pg 239 Line 14-24 HC Bill Govt will reduce physician svcs 4 Medicaid.
Seniors, low income, poor affected

Pg 241 Line 6-8 HC Bill – Doctors, doesnt matter what specialty u have,
you’ll all be paid the same

PG 253 Line 10-18 Govt sets value of Dr’s time, prof judg, etc. Literally
value of humans.

PG 265 Sec 1131Govt mandates & controls productivity for private HC
industries

PG 268 Sec 1141 Fed Govt regulates rental & purchase of power driven
wheelchairs

PG 272 SEC. 1145. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CANCER HOSPITALS – Cancer patients -
welcome to rationing!

Page 280 Sec 1151 The Govt will penalize hospitals 4 what Govt deems
preventable readmissions.

Pg 298 Lines 9-11 Drs, treat a patient during initial admiss that results in
a readmiss-Govt will penalize u.

Pg 317 L 13-20 OMG!! PROHIBITION on ownership/investment. Govt tells Drs.
what/how much they can own.

Pg 317-318 lines 21-25,1-3 PROHIBITION on expansion- Govt is mandating
hospitals cannot expand

pg 321 2-13 Hospitals have oppt to apply for exception BUT community input
required. Can u say ACORN?!!

Pg335 L 16-25 Pg 336-339 – Govt mandates estab. of outcome based measures.
HC the way they want. Rationing

Pg 341 Lines 3-9 Govt has authority 2 disqual Medicare Adv Plans, HMOs, etc.
Forcing peeps in2 Govt plan

Pg 354 Sec 1177 – Govt will RESTRICT enrollment of Special needs ppl! WTF.
My sis has down syndrome!!

Pg 379 Sec 1191 Govt creates more bureaucracy – Telehealth Advisory Cmtte.
Can u say HC by phone?

PG 425 Lines 4-12 Govt mandates Advance Care Planning Consult. Think Senior
Citizens end of life

Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Govt will instruct & consult regarding living wills,
durable powers of atty. Mandatory!

PG 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Govt provides apprvd list of end of life
resources, guiding u in death

PG 427 Lines 15-24 Govt mandates program 4 orders 4 end of life. The Govt
has a say in how ur life ends

Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An “adv. care planning consult” will b used frequently as
patients health deteriorates

PG 429 Lines 10-12 “adv. care consultation” may incl an ORDER 4 end of life
plans. AN ORDER from GOV

Pg 429 Lines 13-25 – The govt will specify which Doctors can write an end of
life order.

PG 430 Lines 11-15 The Govt will decide what level of treatment u will have
at end of life

Pg 469 – Community Based Home Medical Services=Non profit orgs. Hello, ACORN
Medical Svcs here!!?

Page 472 Lines 14-17 PAYMENT TO COMMUNITY-BASED ORG. 1 monthly payment 2 a
community-based org. Like ACORN?

PG 489 Sec 1308 The Govt will cover Marriage & Family therapy. Which means
they will insert Govt in2 ur marriage

Pg 494-498 Govt will cover Mental Health Svcs including defining, creating,
rationing those svcs

Here’s the full Health Care bill that sits in the House.

I’m a huge fan of both you and Livestrong and wish you the very best. Normally, you inspire a huge number of people with your efforts and message. However, I find this a very uninspiring letter; I think you risk all the goodwill that you have created when you begin supporting such poorly considered and overtly political positions. I know that it makes me reconsider my support for Livestrong as an organization and I don’t think I’m alone in that.

I know your intentions are probably for the best and hope that you can continue to provide valuable inspiration for millions, but please stay out of politics.

lance you are rare and there are few in the wonderful world of ours. there is no doubt that you can finish everything you start. as I watch your accomplishments I am stronger knowing that life is what you make of it. my dad passed away from cancer just recently and for a few days ago I went through a hard time thinking my doctor was to inform me what they removed from me was cancer. just knowing, at the time you could do it and do the impossible accomplishment of heading strong for the TDF my fears dissapated and I would be ok. Thank you for being real and I will be rooting for you and know you will do great in your race.

Albert Payan Garcia “United States Navy”.

Just – thank you. To be wealthy, famous, an extraordinary athlete, most of us can’t relate. What most can relate to is someone who cares and I think if this wasn’t truly evident prior to this TDF, it certainly is now. There is no way for you to ever know the lives that your efforts have touched and will continue to touch in a world filled with sadness and pain.

Lance, as a fellow cancer survivor (1 year) someone who’s lost my whole family to cancer, and a registered nurse, I am glad to see you on board with this–I’ve been trying to educate my conservative friends that this is not socialism…and I’m happy to see you quote the same exact facts I have been over the last two days: that the US spends more of it’s GDP on health care, that we do the worst out of all the industrialized nations in the key markers suck as infant mortality rates and longevity…

And I know you’re a conservative.

Thank you for realizing this issue is not something we can afford to politicize!

I’m trying to live strong every day. I know you are too because I’m watching the tour

Lisa Y. RN

Lance,

I am a huge supporter of you on the bike. The courage and tenacity you have displayed as an athlete, as well as when you were fighting your own bout against cancer, are inspiring. I’m all for your efforts to raise awareness and private funding for cancer research.

That said, I vehemently oppose the ideas of those you have chosen to align yourself behind in the debate over healthcare reform. The current Medicare system is insolvent, though it is funded by a 5.8% tax on the wages of every American worker. (For EVERY $100 you earn, $5.80 in Medicare tax is paid to the U.S. Treasury!) Medicare covers those aged 65 and older. The Congressional majority and President Obama now wish to extend a similar structure of paying for healthcare to all. (I don’t yet have a solid answer as to whether “all” in this case means all citizens, or all who are present in the U.S.) What would the Medicare tax rate have to be raised to in order to support such a scheme?

We cannot afford to hurry this. Once healthcare for all becomes a cradle to grave entitlement, we are screwed! This is about liberty, my fellow citizens. If you cannot choose who will deliver your medical care, and what measures will be employed in your care, you are not free! Nowhere in our Constitution or Bill of Rights is “free” healthcare enumerated among the rights of citizens of the U.S.

Lance, I hope you win another Tour (or more than one!), but I hope your allies in this debate are utterly defeated.

Doug

I am a huge supporter of Live Strong. I never watched The Tour until Lance rode. I enjoy the race. You have a large platform Lance but you only know in part.

Here is my problem with a RUSH JOB health care, money and a deceptive agenda.
I was raised in Great Britain and I experienced the health care first hand. Take some time to thoroughly read all the documents, better still like Reagan said when the bill was delivered to him.. reduce this 1000 papers to 30 and then I’ll read and sign. What are we doing to our country. Rushing, suggests to me failure on the other side. I am frustrated with people in power, they are elected citizen and I hope Americans stand up and take their country back. I don’t care about a political cause I care for people. Some people want all the control. We all must participate in this huge problem. Government is too big and out of control

I also am against insuring illegal aliens. I came to this country legally and NO one paid my insurance. In fact at one time you had to have a job. Its all about the vote and more power to individuals in DC.. IT STINKS

I have to agree with Lance in that healthcare should be affordable for everyone. The last thing that should happen when or if we get sick is to wonder how we are going to pay for it!! I find it hard to belive that in our country people don’t care about those who can’t afford insurance. The current cost of descent insurance is almost a mortgage payment. What will be at in the future if we don’t change it now. As you know cancer and other diseases don’t care if you have insurance or not.

Lance- You are an amazing athlete, and an incredible teammate (Contador could learn much from you), that being said, it is no surprise that you would work so hard to help create social reformation with the Live Strong campaign. The teammate in you carries with you throughout your life, here you are supporting the large group of people who experience Cancer like you by bringing awareness and hope to help those that financially and emotionally need it. I don’t know you, but the world is a better place with you in it…and so is Cycling, so happy you are back!!

I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor and I do vote for the cure. I applaud Lance and Livestrong, and all of the other cancer advocacy groups who have joined him in bringing this issue to the forefront.
I lived in Canada for 12 years and enjoyed the best healthcare of my life. I have cancer survivor friends in Canada, Ireland and Australia, that all had their treatments, without suffering the financial nightmare that I have had being sick in the United States. I have worked hard all of my life, and I have insurance, but we are rapidly approaching the point of bankruptcy,or choosing not to follow my careplan that my oncologist and surgeon have recommended.

Lance, I am so proud of what you have accomplished in getting the message out. For millions of cancer survivors around the world, Hope rides on your shoulders.

Your efforts in the Tour are so symbolic to me. In fighting cancer, its all about your team.

Go Lance,
Go Astana,
Always Livestrong

I have to agree with Linda, Jack,Robert, et al. I admire you but think you have made a mistake in support of something you have not checked out throughly. You admire Obama and Kennedy and so believe what they say just as many admire and believe what you say. If we are right about this Lance and if this health care bill passes, I, along with many others, believe that we will in fact suffer greatly. As a senior citizen, I will be expendable. If I get cancer, they will not deem my life worthy to expend precious resources upon. I will be waiting for the care I need, as many baby boomers will be doing. But not all will wait. As others have stated before me, congress and those who can afford quality care, such as yourself, will receive it. I too am disappointed that you would take a stand and use your popularity to help accomplish something that, in the end, you may sorry you did. Please take time to read the bill as congress does not, and then tell us your position. I do not see the need to rush. We have the tine to think through and pass real health care reform that even congress and the wealthy would join. We ALL deserve that.

Lance,

Thank you for all you do. Your decision to return has been an inspiration to me.

To those who disagree with your post, I think they take it too literally. I take it to mean that Obama and Kennedy have drawn a line in the sand and that the time is NOW to finally do something. I do not view it as support for their specific plans because as we know what they support now is going to be very different from what they originally proposed.

Mike

I respect you Lance and your fight with cancer and your determination in cycling but the health care that is being proposed is a disaster waiting to happen. The main changes for health care need to be costs and availability in some areas. Private companies can do that with Tort reform and several other measure that will reduce cost, create inovation and discoveries.

If this reform is put in place it WILL kill the private healthcare system. Think about it.

Obama in his please last night dance around every question. I would think that with the team you have around you in Livestrong there would be so much better ideas brougt to the table.

I can’t believe the number of comments here are apparently straightly aimed at the fact that you support the healthcare reform that the President is supporting and none absolutely NONE of them have any idea of what exactly it entails and how it will have an enormous positive impact on everyone. For all that oppose it, here’s a reality check, WHAT WE HAVE NOW DOESN’T WORK!!! IF IT DID, WE WOULDN’T BE TALKING ABOUT WHY HEALTHCARE COSTS GO UP EACH AND EVERY YEAR!

While some may want to tread the same road and pave the same trail, some of us brave enough to understand that a change is needed. I for one am grateful that people such as yourself with the amount of influence you have and the experiences you’ve lived thru can shed some light on this and lend your fame, your support to this worthy cause. I hope that the President’s plan goes thru so that we won’t have more individuals like my grandmother die in a hospital without treatment simply because they can’t afford to.

To the person who indicated something along the lines on why certain Congressmen want to opt out of it, ask yourself the same question if you had a large and I mean a VERY, VERY large interest in how much a particular health care group ends up losing when this goes thru. Record profits in a time when the economy is slumping should tell the people that something is wrong with our system.

Thanks for being the champion of those that have not. I hope to see you in a Triathlon next year. I would love to brag that I had an opportunity to race with you. Good Luck and God Speed…

Lance,

It is such an inspiration to see you back. I’ve worn the yellow wristband for a while now and get the word out about the foundation often. Your strength and courage inspire me to fight Clinical Depression as a disease and hope that the money raised for research and passing of legislation to allow stem cell research would help defeat Depression and Cancer worldwide. Perhaps this will get the World’s attention. Ride strong and know I believe you can beat Contador!

Superb and inspiring letter, from my point of view. With the stunning image of recent TDF mountain ascents in mind, I appreciate Lance’s display of passion both on the bike and on the page.

I would like to trust that such energy can spur good thinkers to overcome political obstacles and arrive at vastly improved healthcare options for us all.

Amen!

Access to affordable healthcare is (or should be) a fundamental human right. There should be no difficult decision(s) and/or tradeoffs to make in any family when an individual requires medical attention. Problems that can be solved by modern medicine SHOULD be remedied, regardless of socioeconomic status, or anything else.

We often hear about “rising healthcare costs” and unaffordable prescription drugs, but our favorite TV programs are constantly interrupted (like every 10 minutes) with ads for precription drugs like FLOMAX and Cialis. Surely these mass marketing campaigns contribute significantly to drug costs, which are passed along to the consumer, you & me.

I don’t pretend to know what the solution to this problem is, but I’m sure something (MANY THINGS) need to change. Here, public school teachers are presently working without a contract and badly needed salary increases primarily b/c both sides can’t agree upon a fair and affordable healthcare provision. Something’s not right!!!!!!

And BTW, Lance: I’ve known all along the real reason you’ve returned to pro bike racing (besides you love the sport) – to SHOW people you NEVER give up, and always fight for the best possible outcome.

Good luck…see you on the podium in Paris!

Best,
MAC

One of the biggest inspirations to me, you have been able to give alongside with doing something you love. That is truly a remarkable achievement. I hope people in this country can get out of the old generation. this isn’t the 20th century. its the 21st. And things HAVE to change. Because as much as many people “love” our “system”, and praise it for being one of the “best”, its been an utter failure. Actually having experienced the absurdity of the “system” can enlighten one on how much it needs to be changed. We need to LIVESTRONG together rather then live divided in the past.

LIVESTONG, ONE LOVE.

(Robert sounds pretty darn selfish)

I agree with Jennifer Saffran #33, and strongly echo her “Bravo!”

And she’s right:

“Those who are afraid of paying for this care don?t realize that they already are, in the cost of their own insurance, hospital bills, and the fact that sick people cannot be productive.”

“I wish the naysayers would take a hard look at the facts, at other countries, and ask themselves why they are paying so much and getting so little. Compare our system with the French, the British, Canadians. It can be done.”

I’ve lived in France and Germany: we had reasonably priced, good health coverage and weren’t afraid to get sick.

Again, thank you for your brilliant and inspiring letter and thank you for not being afraid to state this important truth.

And despite all the inter-team brouhaha, it does look you are having fun at the Tour de France! Congrats on the new sponsor and good luck in retaining your podium position!

In Canada we have universal health care. Even an injured foreign citizen would be treated without question.
All people deserve healthcare. Period.
If some bum who does not want to work is denied healthcare, quess what. His children are also denied.
My taxes go to things far more foolish than this. I am an R.N who has worked 19 years in the O.R. I have many friends working in the U.S and the U.S system simply does not provide. I applaud President Obama for his resolve to change this.
Lance, you are an inspiration far outside of the cycling world. Keep it up!
Now, time to go for a ride……

For those of you who made comments that Lance did not do his homework before speaking about health care reform?are you kidding me! Lance is a WINNER and all winners do their homework. Lance didn?t win the TDF 7 times by dumb luck. I?ve heard Lance speak and he come across as someone who chooses his words very carefully.

On the off chance you actually read these comments and have the time to respond: Any chance we’ll see you in the Tour of Missouri? Hope so. I’ll buy you a beer or rocket fuel or whatever it is you drink.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m inspired by Lance’s letter and his commitment to cancer issues when he could just sit back and enjoy life. Perhaps those that protest health reform have never known what it is like for a spouse to have cancer, continue working (paying taxes) and even while paying for 2 health insurance policies by both of us–our out of pocket last year was $47,000-more than my husband even makes!! And we consider ourselves lucky.

And why is the pharmaceutical industry exempt from having to negotiating rates like the other parts?–lobbyists, lawyers and donations!!

I only want to add that it takes a lot of guts for someone like Lance who I guess is a republican to come out and say what he said . Bravo Lance …you should have entered the TDF as wanting to be Nº 1 , not settle for 2nd or 3rd ….you were accused of dopping back then because you were so good , how about Alberto ? is he snow white ??? looks to me like he´s pretty dopped up …so he´s good , so what ! I still prefer Lance , who has more charisma , actually Contador has NONE.he´s a jerk.Armstrong YES YOU CAN

Lance,

You are an awesome athlete. Your politics suck. I guess now that we know you are a true liberal. Nationalized health care in other countries is not working. It will not work here.

Good luck on Ventoux, I will be pulling for you.

Lance-Your accomplishments and tenacity speak for themselves. You’ve done well on a bike too! Hopefully folks will keep things in perspective as to what you stand for and what should be most important to everybody in real life…being a loyal and responsible teammate, no matter who is wearing the ‘yellow jersey’. Thanks for keeping your head on straight and the message you are delivering to the next generation.

Well Lance, I commend you for coming back to cycling. Watching the tour without your presence has not been the same! You knew that this would not be easy or a shoe in. Yet, you rode bringing your message of Living Strong and you rode with the same poetry you always have. More importantly Lance, your gift to cycling will be your continued work with young cyclists and bringing the message of Living Strong to all people. For this, you are the winner! I believe that cancer gave you a gift of living your life above the cheers of the crowd and yellow jersies. Thanks for being a winner and sharing your victory with all of us!
Be well and happy!
Laurie